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.

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…

Sit-in Songs : Songs of the Freedom Riders

M1977 _P75S57 1962 Sit-in Songs CORE cover rsz.jpg

Songs recorded by participants in CORE's Freedom Highways project in the summer of 1962. The project was designed to open chain restaurants along…