Research Center
Over 110,000 historical artifacts and archival materials — photographs, genealogy records, maps, newspapers, and more — preserved and accessible at the Mason County Research Center in downtown Ludington.
Appointments Required — 2 Weeks in Advance · Research hours: Tue, Thu, Sat 10am–2pm (May–Dec)
Two Ways to Research
Visit the Research Center
Work directly with our archival materials in the research gallery. Browse open-stack reference books, use our microfilm reader and research computers, and have staff retrieve materials from our archival storage.
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- 2-week advance appointment required — email Amber with your research topic
- Research conducted in the gallery — no direct access to archival storage
- Staff retrieve and return all archival materials for you
- Microfilm reader + 2 research computer stations available
- Scans and photocopies made by staff on request
- First visit requires a signed use agreement
Remote Research Requests
Can’t visit in person? Submit a research request and our staff will search our collections on your behalf. Perfect for genealogy inquiries, specific photo lookups, or quick historical questions from anywhere in the country.
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- Questions under 15 minutes by phone or email — completely free
- Staff research rate: $15 first ½ hour, $25/hr after
- Low-res watermarked preview images sent by email to confirm before purchasing
- High-res scans and documents delivered digitally or by mail
- Subject to staff and material availability
- Rush projects may incur additional charges
THE COLLECTION
Over 110,000 Items Telling the Story of Mason County
The Mason County Historical Society’s archive has been built over more than 80 years — largely through donations from the community. It is one of the most comprehensive local history collections in West Michigan. Our archives include photographs, documents, letters, books, maps, newspapers, and family histories — all telling the story of Mason County, the surrounding region, and Lake Michigan.
Archival materials are stored in climate-controlled, museum-quality conditions and retrieved for researchers by trained staff. The collection spans local history as well as significant holdings in Michigan state history and U.S. regional history. The Research Center also houses the Mason County Heritage Vault — a visible storage area where special artifacts not on exhibit can be seen in secure, museum-quality display cases.
Genealogy
Family histories, vital records, obituaries, and local family documentation going back to the early settlement era.
Lumber Industry
Records, photographs, and materials documenting Mason County’s pivotal 19th-century lumbering era.
Maritime History
Great Lakes shipping, Coast Guard records, car ferry history, shipwrecks, and Ludington’s port heritage.
Railroads
Railroad expansion records, timetables, photographs, and materials on rail’s role in West Michigan development.
Michigan History
State-level historical records, maps, newspapers, and documents relating to Michigan’s broader history.
Local News Paper & Maps
Historic Mason County newspapers on microfilm, plus historical maps, plat books, and survey records.
Research Center Facilities
Everything you need for a productive research visit — all in one place in downtown Ludington.
Research Gallery
Open-stack reference materials available for browsing. Comfortable workspaces with good lighting. All archival materials retrieved by staff — no direct access to storage areas.
Research Computers
Two dedicated computer stations for searching our digital collections, databases, and digital materials. Access to subscription services including Ancestry.com.
Microfilm Machine
Open-stack reference materials available for browsing. Comfortable workspaces with good lighting. All archival materials retrieved by staff — no direct access to storage areas.
Mason County Heritage Vault
A unique visible storage area where special artifacts not on public exhibit can be viewed in secure, museum-quality display cases. See history up close.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Research Center Rules & Policies
Our rules protect historical materials so they remain accessible for future generations. All researchers must read and sign a use agreement on their first visit.
Food, Drink & Belongings
- No food, drink, or gum in the research library. Sealed water bottles are permitted.
- No bags or large coats inside the library. These may be stored in a designated area.
- Personal items are brought in at your own risk — MCHS is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Photography & Copying
- No personal photography or use of personal copiers or scanners in the library.
- Do not use your phone while in the research library — step away to another area if needed.
- All scans and photocopies must be made by staff or approved volunteers.
Archive Access & Storage Areas
- There is no browsing access to the archives and collections storage areas.
- All archival materials are retrieved from storage by staff and brought to the research gallery.
- The research gallery includes open-stack reference books available for direct browsing.
Handling Archival Materials
- Handle all materials carefully and respectfully. Do not mark, deface, or damage any item.
- Follow staff instructions if an item requires gloves or other special handling.
- Go through materials one envelope, box, or book at a time to keep them organized.
- Keep all materials in their correct envelopes and boxes at all times.
- Keep all materials on your table — do not place on another table, the floor, or a shelf.
- Staff will replace and re-shelve all items after your visit or by request.
- Do not remove any material from the research library area or conceal any item at any time.
Appointments & Arrival
- An appointment is required. Appointments must be requested and approved at least 2 weeks in advance.
- Please arrive on time — check in at the front desk and pay before entering.
- On your first visit, sign a research library use agreement acknowledging all rules and policies.
- Appointments are made per individual. If multiple people are researching, each must be specified at booking.
- All appointments are subject to staff availability.
- Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
GROW THE COLLECTION
Donate Historical Materials to the Archives
Our collection of 110,000+ items has been built largely through donations from the Mason County community. If you have historical photographs, documents, letters, maps, or artifacts that tell the story of Mason County, we’d love to hear from you.
Do not bring items to our locations or mail unsolicited materials — all donations go through an evaluation process first.
DONATION PROCESS
1. Contact
Email Amber at amber@mchshistory.org with a description and photos of your item(s). Include dimensions, history, and condition of each item.
2. Review
Our collections committee reviews and votes on acceptance.
3. Transfer Ownership
Accepted items require a signed Deed of Gift form — transferring full legal ownership to MCHS.
4. Donation Complete
Donations are accepted unconditionally — items are not guaranteed to be exhibited.
Your Family’s Story Is in Here Somewhere.
Over 110,000 items. Trained staff. A free first question by phone or email.
Appointments available year-round — just book two weeks out.