Matthew Henson Residence

The Matthew Henson Residence sits at 246 West 150th Street as part of the Dunbar Apartments complex, a brick building that reflects early 20th-century residential architecture. The complex pioneered tenant-owned cooperative housing and remains a functioning apartment building today.

Matthew Henson, the Arctic explorer, moved into this apartment in 1929 and remained there until 1955 after his years of polar expeditions with Robert Peary. The residence reflects a period when Henson settled into Harlem life following his decades of exploration.

The residence marks a turning point in how African American accomplishments in exploration were recognized and celebrated. Visitors can see how this building connected a remarkable explorer to the wider Harlem community and its history of achievement.

The building remains an active apartment complex and can be viewed from the street, with a commemorative plaque marking the entrance. Visitors should explore the area during daylight hours and remain respectful of the residents.

Henson was among the first people to reach the geographic North Pole in 1909, an achievement that went largely unrecognized for decades. The Explorers Club honored him in 1937, marking one of the few public recognitions of his extraordinary feat during his lifetime.