Why Matthew Henson Should Be In The National Museum

Jacob Shebek
Mrs. Kasten
Advanced ELA 8-9
7 March, 2023 The early 1900s was a time when black people were racially segregated from white people and other races. They were often thought of as second-class citizens, and did not have the same rights as white people. One of these people was Matthew Henson. Matthew Henson was an African-American explorer in the early 1900s. He was a role model for many. He was often not credited for his hard work, and that is one of many hardships he faced throughout his life. Matthew Henson deserves to be in the museum because he helped the north pole mission go a lot further than it would without him and he made something out of nothing. There are many reasons that Matthew Henson should be in the National Museum

It was commonly thought at the time that Matthew Henson was Robert Peary’s assistant, although this isn’t true. It was also later revealed that Robert Peary miscalculated where they were. Later calculations revealed that they were not at the north pole. Although Matthew Henson made a valiant effort to reach the north pole, and is often thought of as

He inspired people and let them know that “The path is not easy, the climbing is rugged and hard, but the glory at the end is worthwhile.” That is one of many reasons he should be in the museum. Some may argue that Matthew Henson should not be in the museum because he didn’t have a major impact on the future. He did, however. His journey ushered in an era of exploration that lasts to this day. He was a very dedicated person, and he made something out of nothing. He accomplished more than many other people did. He was also very unheard of, and people should learn more about him. He lived a very simple life after his journeys, and was never being arrogant or bragging, like some other people. He enjoyed being in the arctic, and believed that, “The lure of the Arctic [was] tugging at [his] heart. To [him] the trail [was] calling. The old trail. The trail that [was] always new.” He was the first man to reach the north pole, and his impact remains to this