Visit Corrie ten Boomhuis to remember a time of great fear and brutality, but of great kindnesses and sacrifices too. The historic house commemorates the incredible bravery of the Ten Boom family in hiding Jewish fugitives and fighters in the Dutch resistance movement throughout World War II.
The house is now a museum, featuring photographs of people whom the Ten Booms helped escape by hiding them in a secret compartment in the wall of Corrie ten Boom’s bedroom. The family organised other safe houses to which the fugitives could move. It is thought that the family helped almost 800 people escape the Nazis.
When the Gestapo grew suspicious and raided the house, taking the Ten Boom family members into custody, four Jews and two Dutch people from the underground resistance were not discovered in their hiding space behind the false wall in Corrie’s bedroom. Sadly, the Ten Booms were sent to labour camps. Only Corrie survived and returned and lived in her family home until her death in 1983 at the age of 91.
As you take the guided tour, learn about the family and hear details from Corrie’s book, The Hiding Place. Glimpse life in Haarlem from as far back as the 1830s when Corrie’s grandfather opened a watch shop in the house. A Ten Boom jeweller still operates below the living area, next to the museum entrance. The interior of the house has been furnished with 1940s décor, poignant touches which make it seem as though little has changed about the house since World War II.
Corrie ten Boomhuis is located in the heart of Haarlem at 19 Barteljorisstraat. Take a 1-hour guided tour in English or Dutch, available from Tuesday to Saturday. The museum is closed on Sunday and Monday. Entry is free, but consider making a donation to help keep the house running
