Downtown Emporium & Rose Hawley Archives
Visit the Mason County Emporium & Sweet Shop and explore the Rose Hawley Archives — a year-round destination for local history, genealogy, archives, gifts, and specialty candy.
RESEARCH
By Appointment - See Below
SEASON
Open Year-Round
130,000+
Archive Items
BUILDING
Former First National Bank, 1964
RESEARCH
By Appointment - See Below
SEASON
Open Year-Round
130,000+
Archive Items
BUILDING
Former First National Bank, 1964
Emporium Hours — 10–5 Tues - Thurs , 10 - 6 Friday & Saturday (The extended hours on Fri & Sat, is Memorial Day - Labor Day)
Shop, Discover, and Research Mason County History
The Mason County Emporium & Sweet Shop and the Rose Hawley Archives work together to create a unique destination for visitors and historians alike.
Browse gifts, books, and nostalgic candy in the Emporium, or dive deeper into Mason County’s past through archival collections, photographs, and genealogy resources housed in the Archives.
Start Your Experience Here
SWEET TREATS AND GIFTS
Shop the Emporium
An old-fashioned candy counter, Michigan-made gifts, local apparel, history books, and a warm rustic atmosphere evoking a time when ‘lumber was king.’
ARCHIVES
Access Local History
Over 130,000 items — photographs, documents, maps, newspapers, genealogy files, and county histories — are available to researchers by appointment.
GO BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Tour the Archives
Go beyond the exhibits with a behind-the-scenes tour of the archives, where history is carefully preserved for future generations.
THE ROSE HAWLEY ARCHIVES
Discover Your Mason County Roots
The Mason County Historical Society houses one of West Michigan's most comprehensive local history archives — more than 130,000 items telling the story of Mason County, the Great Lakes region, and the families who built them. Whether you're tracing genealogy, researching local history, or exploring a specific topic, our staff and volunteers are here to help.
The archives are rich with materials on Mason County's defining eras and industries. Research visits are conducted in the research gallery, where books and reference materials are available for browsing. All archival items are retrieved by staff from protected storage — there is no direct access to the archives themselves.
RESEARCH TOPIC CATEGORIES
Lumber Industry
Railroads
Maritime History
Genealogy
Michigan History
U.S. Regional History
Photographs
Family Histories
County Records
Newspaper
Plan Your Visit
Emporium & Sweet Shop Hours
January - April
| Monday - Friday | 10:00pm - 4:00pm |
May - December
| Tuesday - Thursday | 10:00am - 5:00pm |
| Friday - Saturday | 10:00am - 6:00pm |
Archive Research Hours
January - April
| Tuesday | 10:00pm - 2:00pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00am - 2:00pm |
| Friday | 10:00am - 2:00pm |
May - December
| Tuesday | 10:00pm - 2:00pm |
| Thursday | 10:00am - 2:00pm |
| Saturday | 10:00am - 2:00pm |
Research appointments require at least 2 weeks' advance notice.
Behind the Scenes Tours
| Tuesdays - Fridays | 3:00pm |
Tickets required, advance reservations recommended.
Walk-ins for the Emporium are always welcome.
Downtown Emporium & Archives
130 E Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI 49431
Rent Our Facilities
Three extraordinary settings — a grand heritage hall, an intimate reading room, and a 19th-century chapel — are available for weddings, corporate gatherings, and private events in the heart of West Michigan.
BRING YOUR GROUP
Group & Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Behind-the-scenes archive tours offer groups a unique opportunity to go beyond the exhibits and explore the heart of the Historical Society’s collection. Step inside the vault, view rarely seen artifacts, and uncover the untold stories of the people who once called Mason County home—an experience that will leave you inspired to preserve your own legacy.
Enhance your visit with customizable group options, including catered lunches in Legacy Hall, engaging historical presentations, and step-on guide services that bring Mason County’s stories to life throughout your tour.
Your Best Deal:
Unlimited Free Admission
Historical Society membership grants unlimited free entry to all three museum locations, plus 12 research appointments per year, 10% off the Emporium, and access to exclusive events.