# Corrie ten Boom

> Dutch resistance hero and writer

**Wikidata**: [Q241097](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q241097)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrie_ten_Boom)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/corrie-ten-boom

## Summary
Corrie ten Boom (1892–1983) was a Dutch resistance fighter and writer, best known for her role in sheltering Jews during the Holocaust and later sharing her story through autobiographical writings. She was recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem for her humanitarian actions during World War II.

## Biography
- **Born**: April 15, 1892, Haarlem, Netherlands
- **Nationality**: Kingdom of the Netherlands
- **Education**: Not specified in source material
- **Known for**: Resistance work during WWII, authorship of autobiographical Christian literature
- **Employer(s)**: Not specified in source material
- **Field(s)**: Humanitarian activism, Christian literature, Holocaust resistance

## Contributions
Corrie ten Boom is most notably known for:
- **The Hiding Place** (1971) – An autobiographical account co-written with Elizabeth Sherrill and Joan Anderson, detailing her family's efforts to hide Jewish refugees during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands and their subsequent imprisonment. The book became a bestseller and was adapted into a film in 1975.
- **Post-war speaking and writing career** – After surviving Ravensbrück concentration camp, she traveled internationally to share her experiences and promote Christian values of forgiveness and reconciliation.
- **Corrie ten Boom House** – A museum established in 1988 in Haarlem, Netherlands, dedicated to preserving her legacy and educating visitors about the Holocaust and resistance efforts.

## FAQs
**What did Corrie ten Boom do during World War II?**  
Corrie ten Boom, along with her family, helped shelter Jewish refugees in their home in Haarlem during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Their actions were part of the Dutch resistance movement. In 1944, the family was arrested by the Gestapo and imprisoned. Corrie survived the war and later recounted these experiences in her writings and speeches.

**Why is Corrie ten Boom famous?**  
She is famous for her role in the Dutch resistance during World War II, hiding Jews from Nazi persecution, and for her post-war work as an author and speaker. Her autobiography, *The Hiding Place*, brought her story to a global audience and continues to be widely read.

**What recognition did Corrie ten Boom receive?**  
She was honored as one of the "Righteous Among the Nations" by Yad Vesham in 1963, recognizing her efforts to save Jewish lives during the Holocaust. This award is given to non-Jews who risked their lives to protect Jews during the Nazi regime.

**What books did Corrie ten Boom write?**  
Her most famous work is *The Hiding Place* (1971), co-written with Elizabeth Sherrill and Joan Anderson. She also authored several other Christian-themed books and spoke widely through interviews and public appearances.

**Where can I visit a museum dedicated to Corrie ten Boom?**  
The Corrie ten Boom House, located in Haarlem, Netherlands, opened in 1988 and serves as a museum dedicated to her life, her family's resistance work, and the broader context of the Holocaust.

## Why They Matter
Corrie ten Boom’s legacy lies in her courage during one of history’s darkest periods and her lifelong commitment to sharing stories of hope, faith, and reconciliation. Her work continues to inspire generations through literature and education, particularly in Christian and Holocaust studies. Without her efforts, many might not have heard firsthand accounts of resistance and survival during the Holocaust.

## Notable For
- Being honored as **Righteous Among the Nations** by Yad Vashem in 1963
- Co-authoring the bestselling memoir **The Hiding Place** (1971)
- Founding the **Corrie ten Boom House** museum in Haarlem, Netherlands (opened in 1988)
- Serving as a **Holocaust survivor and resistance fighter** during World War II
- Advocating for **forgiveness and reconciliation** through international speaking tours
- Being recognized in over 30 academic and library databases, including the Library of Congress and BnF

## Body

### Early Life and Background
Corrie ten Boom, born Cornelia Arnolda Johanna ten Boom on April 15, 1892, in Haarlem, Netherlands, grew up in a devout Christian household. Her father, Casper ten Boom, was a watchmaker, and the family business played a central role in her early life. The ten Boom family was deeply involved in the local community and the Dutch resistance movement during World War II.

### Resistance Work During World War II
During the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, Corrie and her family used their home at the Barteljorisstraat in Haarlem to shelter Jewish refugees. The house included a secret hiding room behind a wall clock, which they used to conceal those fleeing persecution. In 1944, the family was betrayed, arrested by the Gestapo, and sent to concentration camps. Corrie was imprisoned in Ravensbrück but survived the war. Tragically, her father and sister Betsie died in captivity.

### Post-War Life and Writing Career
After the war, Corrie ten Boom became a full-time speaker and author, focusing on themes of forgiveness, faith, and reconciliation. Her most significant literary contribution is the co-authored autobiography **The Hiding Place** (1971), which details her family's resistance activities and imprisonment. The book was later adapted into a major motion picture in 1975, further amplifying her story.

### Corrie ten Boom House Museum
Established in 1988 in Haarlem, the **Corrie ten Boom House** serves as a museum dedicated to her legacy. It preserves artifacts and stories from her life, including the secret hiding room in the original family home. The museum also educates visitors about the Holocaust and the Dutch resistance.

### Awards and Recognition
Corrie ten Boom received the **Righteous Among the Nations** award from Yad Vashem in 1963, honoring her efforts to save Jewish lives during the Holocaust. This distinction is one of the highest honors given to non-Jews for humanitarian actions during WWII.

### Publications and Literary Impact
Corrie ten Boom authored or co-authored numerous books, with **The Hiding Place** being the most widely known. Her writings have been translated into multiple languages and continue to be used in Christian education and Holocaust studies. Her storytelling emphasizes themes of faith, resilience, and the power of forgiveness.

### International Influence and Legacy
Corrie ten Boom’s story has reached millions through her books, films, and public speaking engagements. Her life has inspired countless individuals and organizations focused on humanitarian work, interfaith dialogue, and Holocaust remembrance. Her legacy is preserved in over 30 international databases and libraries, including the Library of Congress and Bibliothèque nationale de France.

### Personal Identity and Cultural Impact
Corrie ten Boom’s identity as a Dutch Christian, Holocaust survivor, and resistance fighter shaped her global influence. Her story is a testament to the power of individual action in the face of systemic oppression. Through her writings and the preservation of her home, her impact continues to resonate in education, faith communities, and human rights advocacy.

## References

1. Source
2. The Righteous Among the Nations Database
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. CiNii Research
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. Integrated Authority File
8. Find a Grave
9. Biografisch Portaal
10. Discogs
11. BnF authorities
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Quora
14. [Source](https://facebook.com/groups/709410852896325?view=permalink&id=731412797362797)
15. LIBRIS. 2013