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Who we are
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The Henson Center is a stepping stone to a future in the trades.
Our program was created in response to two critical needs in our community: the demand for skilled trade workers and the need for careers for unemployed young adults. By providing hands-on training and industry-relevant skills, we help students build pathways to stable, living-wage careers with long-term growth potential.
At the Henson Heritage & Training Center, we're connecting people with opportunity. We're preparing the next generation of skilled tradespeople while strengthening our local workforce and community.
Our name is to honor our maritime past while recognizing
African-American explorer and carpenter, Matthew Henson.
Matthew Henson accompanied Robert Peary on the 23-year-long seven voyages to the Arctic. With his skills as a carpenter and craftsman, Henson personally built and maintained all of the sledges used on their expeditions.
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,” Henson said.
Who was henson?
Henson’s exploration inspires our carpenters daily, and we are honored to keep his legacy moving forward as we serve the community of Camden, New Jersey!
our board
our STAFF
Lisa Kulp
Director of Operations
lisa@hensonheritagetrainingcenter.org
Tom Kulp
Executive Director
tom@hensonheritagetrainingcenter.org
Con Duffy
Lead Carpentry Program Instructor
Jim Cummings
President
Matt Behr
Vice President
Andrew Field
Treasurer
Bill Judd
Bob Lehman
Adrienne Walls
EMERITUS MEMBERS
Michael Lang
CSMM Co-Founder
Kevin Castagnola
CSMM Co-Founder
Jack O'Byrne
Former CSMM Executive Director