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

Child Labor in Virginia. NCLC Pamphlet No. 171

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Pamphlet by Alexander Jeffrey McKelway, Secretary for the Southern States, National Child Labor Committee. With photographs by Lewis W. Hine, staff…

This Little Book Contains Every Reason Why Women Should Not Vote

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Small booklet consisting of blank pages.

Women in the Home [suffrage handbill]

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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…