LUDINGTON — Launching Mason County’s celebration of the United States Semiquincentennial, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Mason County Historical Society launches its 2026 Speaker Series on Wednesday, Jan. 14. Throughout the year, the historical society will observe events commemorating special events that have occurred throughout the history of the nation with emphasis on Mason County.
RMS Titanic
The first three presentations will focus on a variety of aspects of the history of Mason County and the United States.
On Wednesday, Jan. 14, Rob Alway will discuss “Ludington’s Titanic Connection.” The sinking of the RMS Titanic was one of the most notable shipwrecks of the 20th century.
While the Titanic was a British-flagged ship, it was owned by an American company and one of its primary purpose was to transport immigrants from Europe to the United States. One of those immigrants was Ida Anderson, whose ultimate destination was Ludington. Sadly, Ida was among the over 1,500 who died in the sinking of the great ship.
Rob Alway is a local historian and editor-in-chief/owner of Mason County Press. He also serves as one of the society’s elected directors. He will also talk about the history of the Titanic and some of the other notable Michigan connections to the Titanic disaster.
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, James Jensen will discuss the life of the Reverend John Christensen. An immigrant from Denmark, Reverend Christensen’s ministry transcended church walls and denominations. His caring and comfort touched countless lives as he officiated at weddings, baptisms and funerals and visited the sick and recovering during his 66 years in Mason County.
Local historian James Jensen is president of the society’s board of directors and a retired local business leader. His presentation will provide in-depth insights into the man beyond the iconic downtown Ludington mural that is dedicated to him.
On Wednesday, March 11, the Military History Academy will present Soldiers and Tactics of the Revolutionary War. The presentation will discuss the soldiers who fought in the American Revolution and the equipment they used to defeat the most powerful army in the world.
The 2026 Speaker Series will be held at the Mason County Historical Society’s Rose Hawley Archives, 130 E. Ludington Ave. Admission is free to members and $10 for all others.
The society has several other events planned for 2026 including the 50th anniversary celebration of Historic White Pine Village, a bus tour of the former Mason-Oceana Railroad, special presentations at the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and cemetery tours, among other events.
The Mason County Historical Society is a non-profit charitable organization that was founded in 1937 that does not receive any governmental funding. It owns and operates the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum in Ludington, Historic White Pine Village in Pere Marquette Township, and The Rose Hawley Archives and the Mason County Emporium and Sweet Shop in downtown Ludington.
For more information about donating to and/or joining the Mason County Historical Society, visit masoncountymihistory.org.
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