Matthew Alexander Henson: First African-American at the North Pole

August 27, 2019 - December 31, 2019, Hubbard Hall foyer

Matthew Henson spent years exploring the Arctic with Robert E. Peary and in 1909 he was the only other American to stand with Peary at the North Pole. Henson was excluded from receiving the many honors showered on Peary and the other white members of the expedition. Only near the end of his life did Henson received recognition for his remarkable career as an Arctic explorer.

A Resounding Beat: Music in the Inuit World

March 26, 2019 - December 31, 2020, Arctic Museum main galleries

Traditional and contemporary music is a vibrant part of Inuit society. Inuit visual artists often portray traditional drummers, singers, and dancers in their works, highlighting the ways such performances and songs are crucial links to the past. Contemporary musicians are reviving traditional music, performing pieces in their original forms. At the same time, they are incorporating elements of older musical styles into modern genres, creating unique contemporary sounds.

Threads of Change: Clothing and Identity in the North

April 19, 2017 - December 31, 2019, Arctic Museum main galleries

This exhibit explores the changes in clothing and identity in northern culture.