Mason County Historical Society

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Mason County Historical Society Mason County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the local history of Mason County, Michigan. The society is a private non-profit.

The society runs Historic White Pine Village, Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and the Mason County Emporium. The Society's Mission and Purpose Is:

1. To foster a deeper understanding of and appreciation for Mason County history.

2. To collect, preserve, and present for viewing historically important artifacts, archives, and buildings of the inhabitants of Mason County.

3. To stimulate and en

courage the interpretation of Mason County's past through publications, educational programs, and related historical activities.

4. To cooperate with appropriate individuals, organizations, and institutions on the local and state level in projects and activities which promote and sustain a general interest in history and preservation. The Mason County Historical Society:

1. Operates Historic White Pine Village.
2. Operates the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum
3. Hosts the Mason County Sports Hall of Fame
4. Operates the Mason County Research Center

UPDATE: Due to weather concerns we have postponed the Masters and Commanders Lakeview Cemetery Tour to Thursday, June 25...
11/06/2026

UPDATE: Due to weather concerns we have postponed the Masters and Commanders Lakeview Cemetery Tour to Thursday, June 25th. We still have a few tickets available so grab a ticket and join us on the 25th! Already purchased tickets will be honored on the 25th. If you purchased a ticket and can no longer attend the event please contact us and we will refund your ticket.

Unlock a full season of history, events, and exclusive perks with a Mason County Historical Society membership! 🙌 Enjoy ...
11/06/2026

Unlock a full season of history, events, and exclusive perks with a Mason County Historical Society membership! 🙌

Enjoy unlimited admission to Historic White Pine Village and the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, plus discounts, special access, and member-only benefits all year long.

Become a member at https://masoncountymihistory.org/membership/

10/06/2026

Maintenance on the Village grounds is never done! These guys keep the grounds safe and looking good! Thanks, boys! 💚🪏💚

Fathers day's is coming up fast! Have a day out with dad and watch a Revolutionary War encampment at Historic White Pine...
10/06/2026

Fathers day's is coming up fast! Have a day out with dad and watch a Revolutionary War encampment at Historic White Pine Village June 19 & 20th.

The Military History Academy brings the 8th Massachusetts to life with interactive drills, demonstrations, and hands‑on history for the whole family.

Dads enjoy free popcorn or ice cream, plus 25% off the gift shop. Regular admission applies.

Get tickets today and save!
https://ow.ly/KRQL50YX0Az

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes at a museum? Join us for a rare behind-the-scenes tour of the Mason County Hi...
09/06/2026

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes at a museum? Join us for a rare behind-the-scenes tour of the Mason County Historical Society's Archives and Collections Department.

While only a small portion of a museum's collection is ever on display, thousands of artifacts, photographs, and documents are carefully preserved behind the scenes. This tour offers a unique opportunity to step inside the spaces where history is researched, cataloged, and cared for.

Along the way, you'll learn how museums preserve fragile pieces of history, and see firsthand the work that goes into protecting collections for future generations. Whether you're fascinated by history, curious about museum work, or simply enjoy exploring places most visitors never get to see, this tour offers a glimpse into a hidden side of the museum experience.

Ask our staff at the Mason County Emporium about tour information.

❄️A busy winter day in Ludington Harbor, captured more than 125 years ago.On February 2, 1900, the tug Canfield towed St...
08/06/2026

❄️A busy winter day in Ludington Harbor, captured more than 125 years ago.

On February 2, 1900, the tug Canfield towed Steamers 2, 3, 4, and 15 through the harbor. Even in the middle of winter, vessels moved through the harbor as crews worked to keep commerce flowing along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Save the date and make room for a little discovery!Explore Ludington’s deep maritime roots during this guided tour of La...
06/06/2026

Save the date and make room for a little discovery!

Explore Ludington’s deep maritime roots during this guided tour of Lakeview Cemetery, the final resting place of many Great Lakes captains and crew.

Historian Rob Alway leads this fascinating walk through the stories of the men who commanded the iconic carferry fleet and other vessels that defined the Port of Ludington.

Tickets are $35 for this special June 11 event.

Grab your tickets today : https://ow.ly/AaNG50YX0Ja

âš“ Make It a Maritime Day in Ludington on Saturday, June 6th! Before heading to the Blessing of the Boats this weekend, s...
05/06/2026

âš“ Make It a Maritime Day in Ludington on Saturday, June 6th!

Before heading to the Blessing of the Boats this weekend, spend some time exploring the stories that have shaped our waterfront for generations at the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.

Discover:
• The history of the SS Badger and the car ferries
• Life-saving tales from the U.S. Coast Guard
• Shipwrecks and storms on Lake Michigan
• Interactive exhibits for all ages
• One of Ludington's most historic waterfront buildings

Then continue your maritime adventure at the Blessing of the Boats beginning at 4 p.m. Bring your boat keys and join friends, neighbors, and fellow boating enthusiasts as we celebrate the start of another season on the water.

The event features live music, food trucks, refreshments, raffles throughout the evening, and the traditional Blessing of the Boats at 5 p.m.

A special thank you to Ludington Bay Brewing Company and Safe Harbor Credit Union for hosting this beloved community tradition and bringing people together to celebrate our area's maritime heritage. Proceeds from the event benefit the West Michigan Underwater Preserve, whose work helps protect and interpret the underwater history of Lake Michigan for future generations.

Whether you're a lifelong boater or simply love the history and culture of the Great Lakes, Saturday is the perfect opportunity to celebrate Ludington's connection to the water.

đź“Ť Port of Ludington Maritime Museum open 10 am - 5 pm
📍 Blessing of the Boats – 950 W. Ludington Ave.
đź•“ Festival Tent Opens at 4 p.m.

Address

130 E Ludington Avenue
MI
49431

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 10:00 - 16:00
Thursday 10:00 - 16:00
Friday 10:00 - 16:00
Saturday 10:00 - 18:00

Telephone

+12318434808

Website

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