History Worth Keeping
Needs Your Support
For 89 years, the Mason County Historical Society has preserved the stories, buildings, and artifacts that define this community. Every gift — at any level — helps keep that history alive for the next generation.
YOUR IMPACT
Every Dollar Preserves Something Irreplaceable
The Mason County Historical Society is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofitthat receives no ongoing government subsidy. We rely on the generosity of individuals, families, and businesses who believe that community history is worth protecting.
From maintaining 30 historic buildings across 12 acres at White Pine Village, to operating a National Register landmark on Ludington's waterfront, to preserving thousands of archival documents in the Rose Hawley Archives — your gift does real, visible work.
30 Historic Buildings
Maintained across 12 acres at Historic White Pine Village
$1.7M Research Center
Total renovation of the Rose Hawley Archives — $400K still needed
3000+ Students per Year
West Michigan students reached through Living History programs
1934 Coast Guard Station
National Register landmark — Society responsible for all improvements
Pere Marquette Memorial Cross
Maintain the grounds so visitors can enjoy.
Ludington Murals
Maintain and preserve the 10 Ludington Murals
Giving Options
Whether you prefer a one-time gift, a monthly commitment, or a lasting legacy — there is a giving path made for you.
GENERAL
Annual Fund
Your annual gift funds educational programs, exhibit maintenance, and daily operations across all three MCHS sites. Every dollar stays in Mason County.
MONTHLY GIVING
History Keepers
Join the History Keepers and provide steady, year-round support with an automatic monthly gift. Receive exclusive updates and invitations to special events.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Rose Hawley
Archives
Help complete the $1.7M renovation of the Mason County Research Center — the permanent home of the Rose Hawley Archives. $400,000 still needed.
NAMED GIFT
Adopt a Building
Adopt one of White Pine Village’s beloved historic structures for $750/year. Your name goes on a recognition plaque on the building you protect.
CAMPAIGN
Maritime Museum
Guardians
Help preserve the historic 1934 Coast Guard Station on Ludington’s waterfront. The City owns the building — the Society funds all improvements and maintenance.
BUSINESS
Corporate Giving
Align your business with Mason County’s cultural heritage. Corporate gifts support exhibits, programs, and preservation while connecting your brand to the community.
ESTATE PLANNING
Heritage Circle:
Estate Giving
Leave a lasting legacy through a bequest, IRA distribution, life insurance designation, or charitable remainder trust. The Heritage Circle honors your lasting commitment.
HONOR & REMEMBER
Tribute & Memorial
Donations
Honor someone special — or remember a loved one — with a gift in their name. We’ll acknowledge the tribute and notify the family of your meaningful contribution.
NON-MONETARY
In-Kind Giving
Donate your professional skills, goods, or time. Lawn care, carpentry, graphic design, catering for volunteers — every in-kind gift stretches our mission further.
Find the Right Giving Path for You
Every donor is different. Some want to see their name on a building. Others prefer the quiet consistency of monthly giving. Some want to leave a legacy that outlasts them.
Use our quick advisor on the right to find the option that fits your values, your capacity, and your connection to Mason County history — or call Rebecca directly for a personal conversation.
I want to make a straightforward donation right now.
Support the Museums – Annual Fund
A straightforward, fully flexible gift that supports all three MCHS sites. Donate any amount online instantly.
I want my giving to be automatic and ongoing.
History Keepers: Monthly Giving
Set up automatic monthly giving and become a named History Keeper. Receive exclusive updates and event invitations.
I want to see my name on something permanent.
Support the Museums – Annual Fund
A straightforward, fully flexible gift that supports all three MCHS sites. Donate any amount online instantly.
I want to include the Historical Society in my estate plans.
Support the Museums – Annual Fund
A straightforward, fully flexible gift that supports all three MCHS sites. Donate any amount online instantly.
I want to honor or remember someone special.
Support the Museums – Annual Fund
A straightforward, fully flexible gift that supports all three MCHS sites. Donate any amount online instantly.
I'd rather give my time, skills, or goods.
Support the Museums – Annual Fund
A straightforward, fully flexible gift that supports all three MCHS sites. Donate any amount online instantly.
I'm giving on behalf of my business.
Support the Museums – Annual Fund
A straightforward, fully flexible gift that supports all three MCHS sites. Donate any amount online instantly.
Donor Benefits
Newsletter Recognition
Donors are recognized in our annual newsletter, reaching thousands of community members.
Building Plaques
Adopt-a-Building donors receive a permanent recognition plaque on their adopted structure at White Pine Village.
Website Listing
Business Partners and major donors are listed on our organization's websites with logo placement.
Special Event Invitations
History Keepers, Heritage Circle members, and Guardians receive exclusive invitations to private events and behind-the-scenes tours.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Giving FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about giving to the Mason County Historical Society.
Is the Mason County Historical Society a tax-exempt organization?
Yes. Formally organized on November 30, 1937. Recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3). All qualifying donations are tax-deductible. Please consult your tax advisor.
What is the best way to donate if I want maximum impact?
Monthly recurring gifts (History Keepers) provide the most consistent impact. For larger one-time gifts, the Rose Hawley Archives campaign ($400K needed toward $1.7M) and Adopt-a-Building create direct, visible results.
Can I donate stock, retirement assets, or other non-cash gifts?
Yes. Through Heritage Circle, MCHS accepts appreciated stock/funds/bonds (eliminates capital gains tax). Donors 70½+ may make a QCD of up to $100,000 from their IRA. Contact Rebecca for details.
How do I make a gift by mail?
Check payable to Mason County Historical Society · P.O. Box 569, Ludington, MI 49431. Include a note for the preferred fund or leave unrestricted.
Can I make a gift in honor or memory of someone?
Yes. See Tribute & Memorial Donations. Donate online via DonorPerfect (note honoree’s name in the comments field) or mail a check with a note. MCHS will send a written acknowledgment to the family.
How will I know my gift was received?
All online donations receive an immediate email confirmation from DonorPerfect. For mailed gifts, MCHS will send a written acknowledgment letter within a reasonable timeframe.
Can I set up a recurring gift?
Yes. Select the recurring donation option on the DonorPerfect form to become a History Keeper. You can modify or cancel at any time by contacting Rebecca.
Your Gift. Our History.
No matter how you choose to give, your support goes directly to preserving something irreplaceable for the next generation. Every dollar stays in Mason County.