About Sam Henry
Sam used Sol-fa transcription system to take quick note of the songs akin to shorthand for journalists. He also became an avid photographer and many of his images capture differing aspects of Ulster in his lifetime. In 1923 Sam took up the appointment of song editor in the Coleraine newspaper, Northern Constitution. His column opened up yet another avenue for people to share their songs in Songs of the People a weekly editorial. He managed to collect approximately six hundred and ninety songs which represented Ireland, Scotland, England and North America. Aside from his colossal song collection Henry had managed to accrue eleven thousand miscellaneous documents and photographs which were donated to Coleraine Museum by his grandson Gordon Craig in 2011.
Sam, a bit of renaissance man was a musician, folklorist, photographer, editor and administrator. He was also a fellow of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland! HIs collection Songs of the People is globally sourced by a myriad of singers and musicians.
About Sam Henry
We are delighted to dedicate the Sam Henry Weekend in honour of Coleraine man, Sam Henry. Sam Henry was born in 1878 into a prominent family from Sandleford in Coleraine. When Sam turned nineteen he had a choice to choose a career in teaching or take a post as an excise man. He decided to pursue a career with the inland revenue and his role as a pensions officer allowed him to travel around the northern counties visiting his clients. It was this position which allowed Sam to meet a myriad of folk from all over Ulster. Sam soon got to know the countryside very well as he could be found riding his bike, in his car or travelling by bus or train to visit his clients. Henry realised that the people he visited were fore-bearers of a thriving tradition of music, storytelling and song and became determined to collect as much as he could from the people he met. Henry discovered that his musical talent of playing the fiddle and whistle was a great way to finding common ground with his clients. He would play a tune for them and after would ask the folk if they had any songs, stories and pieces of music to share with him! And so it began…
Our Mission
Our Mission is to bring the best tutors from all over the world to showcase their music, all for your benefit.
Family and community is at the heart of everything we do, we have specifically tailored events for you and the family as well as a host of other events.
Have a look at our Festival
History of Sam Henry
