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Matthew Henson
Playing a central role in Robert Peary’s Arctic expeditions and disputed 1909 North Pole claim.
Greenland expedition · Polar attempt
- Born
- 8 August 1866
- Birthplace
- Maryland, United States
- Died
- 9 March 1955
More people
Matthew Henson
Matthew Henson was an American explorer whose navigation, craftsmanship and Arctic experience were crucial to Peary’s expeditions. He received much less recognition at the time than his white colleague.
Early life
Maryland childhood
Was born to free Black parents in Charles County.
Seafaring work
Went to sea as a boy and learned practical skills before meeting Robert Peary.
Career
- 1887
Peary partnership
Joined work in Nicaragua before becoming a regular expedition companion.
- 1891–1909
Arctic exploration
Developed expertise in travel, equipment and Inuit methods of survival.
- 1910s–1930s
Life after expeditions
Worked in New York while seeking recognition for his contribution.
Expeditions and writing
Greenland expedition
Took part in an early Arctic journey with Peary.
Polar attempt
Joined Peary and four Inuit companions in the party claiming to reach the North Pole.
Exploration memoir
Published A Negro Explorer at the North Pole.
Beyond work
Inuit relationships
Learned from Inuit communities and had a son, Anauakaq, with Akatingwah in Greenland.
Later recognition
Became a life member of the Explorers Club in 1937 and received further honours in old age.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Biography and achievements ↗Photo: Unknown author Unknown author. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
