Port of Ludington Maritime Museum fundraiser

By Kate Krieger. MCP Correspondent.

LUDINGTON – As a historical port city, Ludington has rich maritime roots and what better way to celebrate those roots than through the creation of a maritime museum? The Mason County Historical Society will operate the old U.S. Coast Guard station, which is owned by the City of Ludington to establish the new Port of Ludington Maritime Museum to offer the community an interactive guide to the area’s maritime history.

Fundraising is already underway and Phase I of the project is projected to cost around $4 million. In collaboration with the historical society, House of Flavors Restaurant of Ludington will be holding a fundraising event from 5-9 p.m., Tuesday, May 20. House of Flavors will donate 30% of the evening’s proceeds to the museum’s fundraising campaign to help raise the last $800,000 needed to start construction this summer.

The Historical Coast Guard station will house different interactive maritime exhibits including a theater, hands-on video simulated pilot house and many historical photos and artifacts. The museum will also explore the changes in industry that affected the Ludington area throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

A recently approved Phase II of the maritime park outside of the museum would offer 14 different stops. The stops will give brief, interpretive images and descriptions of the different aspects to Ludington’s maritime history.

To donate to the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, visit www. ludingtonmaritimemuseum.org or contact them at 231-843-4808.

A $100 charter friend membership includes a free museum family membership for the first year of operation, a quarterly newsletter and recognition on a plaque inside the museum.