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

This Little Book Contains Every Reason Why Women Should Not Vote

VCU M 9 Box 48 This Little Book Contains Every Reason Why Women Should Not Vote cover rsz.jpg

Small booklet consisting of blank pages.

Boys and Girls! You can help your Uncle Sam Win the War

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World War I poster by James Montgomery Flagg encouraging children to purchase War Savings Stamps and help the war effort. Flagg created the now-iconic…

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…