In 1837, Willem Ten Boom founded a clock and watch shop. Later it passed to his son Casper, and then to Casper's daughter Corrie. The House, called the Bιjι (short for Barteljorisstraat), has become a symbol which surpasses its national boundaries. In keeping with its history, there still is a watchmaker working today in the Ten Boom House. The Ten Boom Family dedicated their lives in Christian service, and had turned their home to 'an open house' for anyone in need of help. They were most active in doing social work in the town of Haarlem, and their faith inspired them to serve both the Church and society at large.

During the second world war, the Bιjι became a refuge, a Hiding Place for fugitives and hunted people who were sought by the enemy. By protecting these people, father Casper and his daughters risked their lives. Their non-violent resistance against the Nazi-oppressor was an act of faith. This faith led them to hide Jews, students who refused to co-operate with the enemy, and members of the Dutch 'underground' resistance movement. The bιjι accommodated these refugees until it was 'safe' to smuggle them to other families. In this way, the Bιjι became a centre of 'underground' activities with a network of contacts. Through these activities the Ten Boom family, with their friends, saved many lives. On February 28 1944, the family was betrayed, and the Gestapo, the Nazi secret police, raided the house. There they arrested six members of the family. During the next hours about 30 friends, who came to the Bιjι unaware of the betrayal, were also arrested and taken to prison. The Gestapo did not, however, discover four Jews and two members of the Resistance. They managed that safely by hiding behind the false wall in Corrie's bedroom. The Gestapo stayed in the house a number of days because they were convinced that there were Jews hiding in the Bιjι. Since they could not locate them, they hoped to starve them until they surrendered. Fortunately, the six refugees were liberated by the Resistance after they had been in the narrow hiding space for two-and-half days, without food and water. Casper (84), Betsie (59) and Christiaan (24) died as prisoners, whilst Willem (60) died shortly after the war.