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Come celebrate Ludington's Sesquicentennial with a special presentation on Ludington's Lumbering Heritage at the Mason County Research Center.
This presentation will address the early history and development of Ludington with a focus on its lumber heritage. The first human inhabitants were Native Americans. By the 1840s, white settlers arrived to the area, then referred to as Pere Marquette. The village’s economy was shaped by the lumber industry as the vast forests were cut down to produce finished lumber which was then shipped throughout the Great Lakes.
West Shore Community College Professor of History and Political Science, Michael Nagle, will address the key events and individuals who shaped Ludington’s history as part of city’s sesquicentennial celebration.
As we celebrate Ludington's birthday on this special night, you will learn about new programs such as the Mason County Ancestry Database and the Historic Homes Program.
Meet Important Historical Personages at Historic Homes—William Jennings Bryan; Antoine, Kate, and Charles Cartier, Marshall Butters, and other Ludington Notables (2 performances per day)—brought to life by first-person interpreters.
The Historic Homes Tour will transport attendees on an immersive journey as they traverse the enchanting streets of Ludington's historic neighborhoods. Each carefully selected home offers a glimpse into the past, with a knowledgeable tour guide to provide fascinating anecdotes, historical context, and architectural insights.
Saturday's event will be a walking tour of historic homes from the street, with no inside access; Sunday's event will focus on the Historic Bed & Breakfasts of Ludington, with limited access to the common areas of the home.
Tickets Required: $20 per person, per tour, per day. Two tours per day.
Tour times are: 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm.
Tickets can be purchased in the Mason County Emporium at the Mason County Historical Society located at 130 E. Ludington Ave. Advanced purchase is recommended. Tours are limited to 20 people per tour.
Tours will depart from the Mason County Emporium. Please arrive 10 minutes early to get checked in. Tours will leave promptly at their start times.
Mason County Historical Society is hosting the Scottville Clown Band at Waterfront Park for an evening of celebratory music to honor the City of Ludington's 150th Birthday.
Enjoy an evening of Music through the Decades as we celebrate the rich history of Ludington.
Open to the public.
Walking tour of Lakeview and Pere Marquette Cemeteries
Participants will come face-to-face with many of Ludington and Mason County’s Most Notable Personages—brought to life by first-person interpreters.
Celebrate Ludington’s 150th at Stearns Hotel; enjoy a dinner event with live music, historical plays, and dancing!
Location: Historic Stearns Hotel
6:00 pm social hour
6:30 pm Evening Activities begin
The History of Stearns Hotel by James Jensen
Eber Ward vs Justus Stearns: “The Quarrel Heard ‘Round the County,” with Rick Plummer and Mike Nagle
Dress by the Decade is encouraged for all attendees.
Tickets are $150 a person – Funds from this event go towards the preservation of Mason County History for future generations to enjoy!
Tours
The Mason County Historical Society is a private, non-profit educational organization, formally organized on November 30, 1937.
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