Gezicht op de poort van het Oude Armen Weeshuis in Enkhuizen before 1894

This photograph shows the gate of the Old Armen Weeshuis, or old orphanage, in Enkhuizen. It’s a reproduction in a book titled "Architectur Der Niederlande". Orphanages such as this one were a common sight across the Netherlands and Europe, often funded through a combination of private donations and municipal resources. They reflect the social structures of the time, where poverty and lack of family support often left children vulnerable. The architecture itself conveys a sense of civic pride and order. The ornate gateway, framed by classical motifs, suggests a commitment to instilling certain values within the children raised there. We can ask, how would life within such an institution shape a child’s understanding of their place in society? To delve deeper, research into local archives and historical records of the orphanage could provide insight into the experiences of the children who lived there, and the social philosophies that shaped their upbringing.