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

Neighborhood House Boy's Basketball Team, 1926 - 1927

Beth Ahabah_NCJW Collection_Neighborhood House Boys Basketball Team  1926-1927 rsz.jpg

Photograph of boy's basketball team from Neighborhood House, Richmond, VA. Nine young men and their coach are shown with a trophy and basketball on…

American Federation of Labor Song

Baylor Univ Libraries_AFL song.jpg

Illustrated title page in blue, white and black with the seal of the American Federation of Labor and 4 small scenes of a printer, machinist,…

Women in the Home [suffrage handbill]

VCU_M71 Women in the Home NY State Woman Suffrage handbill rsz.jpg

Handbill published by the New York State Woman Suffrage Association.Excerpts:"WOMEN IN THE HOMEWe are forever being told that the place for women is…