What is Social Welfare History?
Image: VCU Libraries
The history of social welfare is an interdisciplinary study of the evolution of organized activities related to social reform and social service. Research materials related to this history include the papers, records and publications of individuals, local volunteer groups, national private organizations, and the state and federal government agencies that have provided and regulated social services.
Charity groups and social welfare organizations often work on behalf of people whose voices have not been heard widely in American history. Therefore, the archives of social welfare history serve as a resource for learning more about women, children, minorities, immigrants and refugees, the elderly, the poor and persons with disabilities.
Project Mission
The Social Welfare History Project (SWHP) is an educational resource that promotes a deep understanding of social welfare history by recruiting writers, publishing trustworthy articles, seeking partnerships, and providing access to primary sources.
The SWHP provides a trusted source for learning, and a stimulus to curiosity and problem-solving that aligns with VCU and VCU Libraries’ educational, research, and community engagement goals. The project includes links and references to key archives, libraries, scholarly websites, and other reliable information sources to aid a worldwide audience. The SWHP is curated, hosted and maintained by Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries.
Learn more
The Social Welfare History Project encompasses contemporary scholarship and historic documents. Articles and primary sources on this site come from a broad range of sources, including materials that are offensive or contain negative stereotypes. VCU Libraries provides access to these items to support research and inquiry.
Contact us: LibSWHP@vcu.edu