An Examination of Widows’ Status within the Orphan Chamber of New Amsterdam

Abstract

In this paper, I coupled case details with quantitative analysis to examine features of widowhood and womanhood in New Netherland. I did so by examining the records of the Orphan Chamber, a court that would ensure the financial and material security of children who lost one or both parents. Thus, the Orphan Chamber is a valuable insight into the legal and societal status of widows within New Amsterdam, as its operations were shaped by Dutch civic tradition, Roman-Dutch law, and conditions on American soil.