Historical Society kicks off major membership drive.

October 17, 2016

Mason County’s first courthouse at White Pine Village.

Historical Society kicks off major membership drive.

#MasonCountyHistory

PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — The Mason County Historical Society has kicked off a major membership drive as the organization prepares to open a second museum.

For the past 40 years the society has operated Historic White Pine Village, located on the plot of land that was the home of Mason County’s first courthouse on South Lakeshore Drive on the Buttersville Peninsula. At one time the society also operated the Rose Hawley Museum in Ludington but that site was moved to the village in the 1980s. In 2017, the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum is scheduled to open in the former US Coast Guard station located on Lakeshore Drive in Ludington.

The one-room Marchido school house at White Pine Village.

“We continue to look for ways to preserve our area’s past, honor our ancestors, and present exhibits that are engaging, educational, and entertaining,” said Rick Plummer, executive director the historical society.

“Membership support is crucial to Mason County Historical Society’s continued ability to achieve its mission–collecting, preserving, and interpreting historically important artifacts, archives, and buildings of the inhabitants of Mason County.”

Plummer said the historical society has a “critical financial need as we add a second major museum to our organization and enhance the visitor experience at Historic White Pine Village.

There are several levels of membership:

Veterans–1 veteran and spouse= $40 unlimited admissions at both museums for the year.
Individual Membership–1 member= $60, unlimited admissions at both museums for the year.
Individual-Plus Membership–1 member + 1 guest (or 1 member and spouse)= $75 unlimited admissions at both museums for the year.
Family Membership–2 parents and all children ages 17 and below= $100 unlimited admissions at both museums for the year.
Grandparent Membership–2 grandparents and all grandchildren ages 17 and below= $125 unlimited admissions at both museums for the year.
Donor Level Memberships–unlimited admissions at both museums for the year and other VIP benefits to be determined (behind the scenes tours, receptions, etc.).
- Silver: $1,000-2,499
- Gold: $2,500-4,999
- Platinum: $5,000-9,999
- Sustaining: $10,000 +