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

Conventions Which Protect

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This poster was part of "Youth and Life" a 48-poster series published by the American Social Hygiene Association. The series was designed to educate…

Anti-Suffrage Arguments. DANGER! [anti-suffrage broadside]

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A single-sided handbill published by the Virginia Association Opposed to Woman's Suffrage. The handbill argues that woman suffrage will lead to…

Striker in a gas mask, Passaic, New Jersey

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A Passaic striker wears a gas mask for protection from the effects of tear gas. Police used tear gas, clubs, and firehoses to disperse crowds of…