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

Society for the Entertainment of Shut-ins, 1908 [annual report]

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The Society for the Entertainment of Shut-Ins(SESI) was founded in 1901 by the Rev. George W. Shinn, D. D. in Boston, Massachusetts. Shinn was the…

Care for Her Through the YWCA: For Every Fighter a Woman Worker

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World War I poster created by Adolph Treidler to publicize the YWCA's participation in the United War Work Campaign, November 11 - 18, 1918.The United…

National League of Women Voters convention badges

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Convention badges for the National League of Women Voters Annual conventions. Fifth Annual Convention, April 24 - 29, 1924, Buffalo, NY Eighth Annual…