On August 8, 1866, Matthew Alexander Henson was born in Nanjemoy, Maryland. Though history long overlooked his contributions, Henson was a true trailblazer—a skilled navigator, craftsman, and the first African American Arctic explorer.

Over the course of nearly 23 years, Henson participated in seven grueling Arctic expeditions alongside explorer Robert Peary, spending over 18 years in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. Most notably, Henson was a key member of the 1908–1909 expedition that claimed to have reached the geographic North Pole on April 6, 1909.

Though Peary received much of the glory, Henson’s contributions were critical—and today, his name is finally recognized alongside the great explorers of history.

❄️ Who Was Matthew Henson?

• Orphaned at a young age, Henson went to sea at 12 years old, working as a cabin boy and learning navigation, seamanship, and languages.

• He met Robert Peary in 1887, becoming Peary’s assistant and eventually his most trusted expedition partner.

• Henson built sledges, hunted for food, spoke the Inuit language fluently, and earned the deep respect of the local Inuit communities, who called him “Mahri-Pahluk” (“Matthew the Kind One”).

• Henson was likely the first person on the 1909 team to set foot at or near the North Pole.

🧠 Why Matthew Henson’s Legacy Matters

Henson’s story is one of resilience, brilliance, and quiet strength in the face of both extreme weather and systemic racism. For years, his contributions were dismissed or minimized, but his reputation has since been restored:

• In 1944, Congress awarded him a special medal for Arctic exploration.

• In 1988, Henson was reinterred with full honors in Arlington National Cemetery, near Robert Peary.

• His story now appears in textbooks, museums, and, yes—even postage stamps.

💌 A Stamp Worth Collecting

The Arctic Explorers stamp set is a standout for collectors of:

• Black history and African American figures

• Exploration and science

• Geography and polar studies

• Those who simply admire stories of courage and endurance

This set reminds us that discovery is often a shared journey—and it’s time all contributors are remembered.