Explore the history of American social reform and social services 

The Social Welfare History Image Portal brings together photographs, pamphlets, artifacts and documents chronicling the history of the nation's response to human need. This history includes the work of volunteer organizations, reform movements, social workers, and government legislation and systems.

Featured Items

Errand Boys, Child Labor Street Permit #254 [pinback button]

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Child labor street permit. This pinback button for an errand boy was issued in 1929. Variant state seal with armored Virtus and mountains in the…

Story of the Boston Nursery for Blind Babies

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This pamphlet provides a brief history of the Boston Nursery for Blind Babies. The pamphlet is accompanied with photographs displaying the nursery…

Care for Her Through the YWCA: For Every Fighter a Woman Worker

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World War I poster created by Adolph Treidler to publicize the YWCA's participation in the United War Work Campaign, November 11 - 18, 1918.The United…