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

National Silk Dye Workers on strike

American Labor Mus_Silk Dye Workers Nancy Sandusky rsz.jpg

Silk dye workers just before arrest. Nancy Sandowsky at center.

They Are Advancing

M 9 Box 101_Child Labor Comm They Are Advancing p1 rsz.jpg

Pamphlet advocating for the Child Labor Amendment, passed in 1924, but never ratified.

Anti-School Busing Protest, February 1972

Help save Freedom anti busing car P_74_11_18n_rsz.jpg

Black and white photograph of a man and a woman in a car during an anti-busing motorcade to Washington, D.C. The car is driving past the U.S. Supreme…