To bring our carpentry mission to the forefront, Camden Shipyard & Maritime Museum is now officially known as the Henson Heritage & Training Center! 

Our name has been changed to honor our maritime past while recognizing African-American explorer and carpenter, Matthew Henson. Henson accompanied Robert Peary on the 23-year-long seven voyages to the Arctic. In 1909, he reached the North Pole almost 45 minutes before the group, becoming the first to plant the American flag there.

“As I stood there on top of the world and I thought of the hundreds of men who had lost their lives in the effort to reach it, I felt profoundly grateful that I had the honor of representing my race,” he said.

Henson’s exploration inspires our carpenters daily, and we are honored to keep his legacy moving forward as we serve the community of Camden!