Causeway Coast and Glens Council to consider Blue Plaque for Coleraine folklorist Sam Henry

Causeway Coast and Glens Council’s Leisure and Development Committee is to consider erecting a Blue Plaque for Coleraine folklorist Sam Henry.

The proposal will be debated at a meeting on June 16 when approval will be sought for the proposed blue plaque installation for 2026 from the Ulster History Circle, in consultation with the Community & Culture team.

Sam Henry (1878 – 1952), born in Coleraine, is best known as a Folklorist and recognised for his ‘Songs of the People’ series that ran in the Northern Constitution newspaper between 1923 and 1939. CREDIT CCGBC

placeholder image — Sam Henry (1878 – 1952), born in Coleraine, is best known as a Folklorist and recognised for his ‘Songs of the People’ series that ran in the Northern Constitution newspaper between 1923 and 1939. CREDIT CCGBC

The Ulster History Circle (UHC) is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for placing the blue circular plaques in public spaces across Ulster in honour of men and women who have contributed to the province’s history.

In October 2024, the first blue plaque in the Borough, in recognition of physicist James Sayers (1912 – 1993), was unveiled at Ballyweaney Presbyterian Church, Corkey.

In April 2025, the second plaque, in recognition of pioneer golfer May Hezlet (1882 - 1978) was unveiled at the Ladies Clubhouse at Royal Portrush.

Now, officers from Council’s Museum Service team together with representatives from the Ulster History Circle are proposing to the Leisure & Development Committee that Sam Henry receives a plaque in 2026.

Sam Henry (1878 – 1952), born in Coleraine, is best known as a folklorist and recognised for his ‘Songs of the People’ series that ran in the Northern Constitution newspaper between 1923 and 1939.

Sam’s work as a Pensions and Excise Officer took him into the homes of many elderly people across Northern Ireland. It was his ability to connect with these people that enabled him to collect their songs and stories. As his daughter Olive commented, he used his tin whistle as a gadget to find common ground with people.

Sam published many articles in local and national newspapers, as well as books. His very popular lectures were well attended and extremely popular. He started broadcasting on the radio in May 1925. Sam became recognised as a genealogist and made connections around the world through researching family history.

He was greatly involved in the local community as a member of many different groups and organisations which connected him to local people in the Coleraine area.

Sam was a member of the Belfast Naturalist Field Club as well as the Route Naturalist Field Club. He was inspired and intrigued by nature and felt a strong connection to place.