The complex was designed by A. van der Linden to replace the old orphanage located at the Klein Heiligland 58, which had been in use since 1634.

Once a year they would dine there, and once a year all the orphans of Haarlem would be treated to buns on Pieter Teyler van der Hulst's birthday, as stipulated in his will and testament.

In 1939, the building was confiscated for military purposes and the orphanage moved to Baan 25.

Under german rule it became a works council, and in 1983 the archives moved here.

The regent rooms have remained largely intact.