News

The Cayman Islands National Museum today proudly received a significant addition to its National Collection: a historic sextant, almanac and telescoping spyglass belonging to the late Captain Samuel Lorraine Henning, a legendary Caymanian seafarer. These treasured artefacts were presented to the Museum by members of Captain Henning’s family during a special handover ceremony.

Captain Samuel Lorraine Henning, born in 1889, embarked on his seafaring career around 1903, a journey that spanned over five decades. His career began on schooners built by his father, Samuel Hooper Henning, and grandfather, John Hooper Henning. These vessels were a testament to the Henning family's maritime heritage, which dates to John Hooper Henning’s arrival in the Cayman Islands in the early 18th century.

Captain Henning’s illustrious career included commanding various Caymanian schooners and other vessels, including The Flight, a luxury yacht owned by the Lambert Pharmaceutical Company. Between 1928 and 1942, The Flight became a familiar sight in the Cayman Islands, with its Caymanian crew showcasing the island's rich maritime tradition.

The sextant, believed to be over 150 years old and British-built, was passed down through generations of the Henning family. Along with the spyglass, it was preserved in California for approximately 50 years before being returned to the Cayman Islands for this historic donation.

The presentation took place at the Museum on January 23, 2025, with the following family members in attendance:

• Loxley Banks (grandson of Captain Samuel Lorraine Henning)
• Ryan Kenneth Henning (grandson of Captain Samuel Lorraine Henning)
• Irma Alicia Henning (widow of Captain Henning’s son, Loxley)
• Dalkeith Bothwell (grandson of Captain Samuel Lorraine Henning)
• Arthurlyn Bedley (granddaughter of Captain Samuel Lorraine Henning)
• Mark Bothwell (great-grandson of Captain Samuel Lorraine Henning)

Representing the Cayman Islands National Museum were Museum Board Chair Susan Arch-Parsons, Museum Director Dr. Veerle Poupeye, and Operations Manager Doss Solomon.

The family expressed their hope that the sextant and spyglass will be displayed in the Cayman Collection at the Museum’s West Bay location, allowing future generations to appreciate the rich maritime history of the Cayman Islands and the enduring legacy of the Henning family.

Captain Henning’s legacy is interwoven with the history of the Cayman Islands. From captaining the schooner E.A. Henning, built by his father and grandfather, to navigating steamships and diesel-powered vessels, his life was marked by adventure and resilience. His remarkable story includes being jailed in Cuba for six months after a commercial voyage aboard the schooner Dreadnaught.

The Henning family’s contributions to the Cayman Islands are also reflected in Henning Beach, a prominent West Bay landmark homesteaded by John Hooper Henning and his descendants.