SAINT-MARTIN--Archaeologist and heritage advocate Christophe Henocq has been named a Knight of France’s National Order of Merit, recognizing more than 36 years of work documenting, protecting and promoting the historical and archaeological heritage of Saint-Martin.
Henocq received the distinction during an official ceremony at the Préfecture on September 18. Prefect Cyrille Le Vély presented the award, highlighting Henocq’s decades of commitment to ensuring that the island’s history is researched, preserved and passed on to future generations. The National Order of Merit was established in 1963 and recognizes distinguished service to France and its communities.
Henocq’s relationship with Saint-Martin stretches back almost his entire life. Born in Cambrai, France, in 1965, he arrived on the island at the age of two. After studying in Martinique, he continued his scientific education at the University of Bordeaux, where his studies included earth sciences, oceanology, marine sedimentology and natural sciences.
His professional work eventually placed Saint-Martin’s archaeological record at the center of his career. From the early 1990s, Henocq became one of the island’s leading figures in archaeological research and was responsible for establishing and directing Saint-Martin’s first archaeological museum.
Between 1992 and 2000, he coordinated excavations at several important locations across the island, including Hope Estate, Baie Rouge, Baie Orientale, Norman Estate and Anse des Pères. Work at Hope Estate produced findings that included pottery dating to around 550 BC, adding important information to the archaeological understanding of the wider Caribbean.
Henocq’s contribution has extended beyond excavation and academic research. Over the years, he has worked to make the island’s history accessible to students, residents and visitors through exhibitions, guided activities, publications and educational initiatives. He has also helped train dozens of young people in archaeology and tourism guiding.
His service to Saint-Martin has also included periods outside the archaeological field. Following Hurricane Luis in 1995, Henocq participated in the crisis unit established by the local authorities to assist with the organization of emergency relief. He later continued working on the protection and promotion of historical and natural sites across the territory.
Since 2009, Henocq has also served locally with the Fondation du patrimoine. From 2017 to 2025, he worked within the Collectivité of Saint-Martin on policies and initiatives related to the preservation and development of the territory’s heritage.
During the ceremony, Henocq emphasized that the recognition also belonged to the volunteers, researchers, teachers, colleagues and residents who have worked alongside him over the years to document and protect Saint-Martin’s history.
The award places national recognition on a body of work that has helped uncover parts of Saint-Martin’s pre-Columbian past while strengthening efforts to preserve historical sites and make the island’s heritage accessible to new generations.
