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

Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Story

Martin Luther King and The Montgomery Story 1958 crop rsz.jpg

Educational comic book published by the Fellowship of Reconciliationfollowing the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The comic book advocates for…

Father Forgive them for they know not what they do / Educate Don't Segregate [1963 Farmville, Va. protests]

VCU_Rev Goodwin Douglas Clara Gibson Main St Farmville July 1963 rsz.jpg

Protesters in front of Prince Edward County Courthouse, Main St., Farmville, Va., July 1963.The Rev. Goodwin Douglas, pastor of Beulah AME, with…

Equal Suffrage League of Richmond, Va., February, 1915

M 9 b 242 Equal Suffrage League Febrary 1915 adj rsz.jpg

Equal Suffrage League of Richmond, Va. in front of Washington Monument, Capitol Square, Richmond. The members of the ESL were promoting the suffrage…