Congressman Moolenaar, center, views the Fresnel lenses at the Port of Ludington Maritime Musuem. Shown also is Society Executive Director Rebecca Berringer, left, and Society President James Jensen.
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
LUDINGTON — Congressman John Moolenaar toured the Mason County Historical Society’s Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and Rose Hawley Archives Monday morning. Members of the organization’s staff and board of directors discussed the importance of preserving the area’s history and the economic impact the historical society has on local tourism.
Moolenaar, who represents Mason County in Michigan’s 2nd Congressional District, said he was impressed with the quality of both facilities.
Congressman Moolenaar takes the wheel of the Pere Marquette 22 pilothouse simulator with the aid of Society Education & Programs Coordinator Olivia Lambrix.
The Mason County Historical Society is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization funded through private donations, memberships, admission fees and gift shop sales. It does not receive tax dollars for operations.
The organization does have a connection with the federal governmentk, however as it has been designated by the U.S. Coast Guard as the steward of the historic Fresnel lenses that were once housed in Big Sable Point Lighthouse and Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse.
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