Recognitions of Peary and Bartlett

Upon returning to the United States, Robert Peary and Captain Robert Bartlett were met with much praise and adoration for their achievements. Both men were honored at dinners and award ceremonies hosted by royals from all over the world. Each of the explorers was awarded many of the same medals and commendations, but Peary, never to be overshadowed, would not be honored at the same time as Bartlett or anyone else.

In December 1909, Peary was awarded a special medal from the National Geographic Society for the discovery of the North Pole. Peary was awarded numerous awards from countries all over the world for his accomplishments within just a year or two after the discovery.

Bartlett was awarded the Hubbard Medal by the National Geographic Society in 1909 upon his return from the North Pole expedition. He was also awarded the Peary Polar Medal by Congress for the 1908-09 expedition among several others.


Image Caption: This photograph titled "Dinner to Commander Robert E. Peary, U.S.N., Hotel Astor, March 5, 1910" is just one example of the type of honors Peary and Bartlett received when Henson was not known by many to have even been with the expedition, this photograph taken for the Geo. R. Lawrence Co., available courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Henson Moves to Arlington Cemetary

Interred in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, Matthew Henson was buried in a simple grave. The recognition Matthew Henson received was far overdue and it is unfortunate that his highest honors came after his death in 1955.


Dr. S. Allen Counter, a professional explorer, has studied Henson's life and brought much needed attention to what he accomplished in his lifetime. Counter petitioned President Ronald Reagan in 1987 to have Henson and his wife Lucy Ross' remains re-interred in Arlington National Cemetery. After much debate,Counter was granted his request and the Hensons' remains were taken to Washington, D.C. and buried alongside those of Robert and Josephine Peary in April 1988.


It was not until 2000 that Henson was posthumously honored by the National Geographic Society by receiving the Hubbard Medal. This award is one of the highest honors an explorer like Matthew Henson could receive. Bartlett and Peary received the Hubbard Medal for their accomplishments in finding ninety degrees North shortly after returning to the United States from the expedition. As John Fahey, the National Geographic Society president stated during the celebration of Henson's accomplishments, "the Hubbard Medal is awarded for distinction in exploration, discovery and research. Henson embodies what this award stands for. The honor is long overdue."



Image Caption: This photograph titled "Matthew Alexander Henson, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing front, wearing fur hat and fur coat" was taken in 1910 and was used as the image on the bronz plaque that has been placed on Matthew Henson and Lucy Ross' plot in Arlington Cemetery, courtesy of the Library of Congress.