Twenty Years at Hull-House

Twenty Years at Hull-House

A bedrock text of American progressivism, Twenty Years at Hull-House tells the dramatic story of how social reformer Jane Addams cofounded and developed the Chicago settlement house into a community center dedicated to serving the city's immigrants and poor.

Addams provides an eyewitness account of urban life in her lifetime while explaining the ideas and experiences that motivated her to dedicate her life to helping these Chicagoans. By arguing that Americans should respect immigrants' traditions, Addams created a successful template for integrating newcomers into society and empowering them to seek out what they needed from government, business, and other institutions.

Addams' philosophy and tireless pursuit of social justice influenced people and movements around the world. One of the best-known public figures of her time, Addams won the Nobel Peace Prize and a century later remains an inspirational figure in American history.