Elisabeth orphanage museum

The oldest orphanage of the Netherlands. Elisabeth, a wealthy woman,  died childless, at the ripe age of 80 years old in 1555. She left her money in a trust to be used for a good cause. The trustees established the first Dutch orphanage, in 1560. There was room for 24 girls and 24 boys. They had to be healthy of body and mind. And only two orphans from the same family were allowed in. The girls had a 'mother' watching over them, the boys a 'father'.  Both girls and boys were taught to read and write and they got educated for a job as servant, carpenter and such. In later years there was room for science, art and exercise. The last orphans left in 1952. 

The museum I visited today is still in the same building as the orphanage was in 1560. An interesting history. 

I met up with a retired colleague. We had coffee, visited the museum, walked through town and had dinner. A great day!