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Anne Pettigrew teaches children about the loom. MCP file photo.
By Brooke Hammond, MCP Intern
LUDINGTON — Operating the Mason County Historical Society’s three museums requires many volunteers. The Mason County Historical Society, which was founded in 1937, operates Historic White Pine Village, 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Pere Marquette Township, the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, 217 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington, and the Mason County Research Center and Emporium, 130 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Historic White Pine Village features buildings and displays that represent what life was like in Mason County during the mid- to late-19th century and early 20th century. It opened in 1976 and was developed on 12 acres around Mason County’s oldest house, the Burr Caswell home, built in 1849. It includes several historical Mason County buildings that were moved to that location, along with several re-creations of historical buildings.
Anne Pettigrew has been volunteering at White Pine Village for over 25 years. “We just have fun with the kids,” Pettigrew said. “That is why I volunteer; I like to encourage them to try things.” Pettiegrew’s skill is weaving with a loom.
Children enjoy the carferry pilot house at Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.
Pettigrew said she is often at The Village on Tuesdays during the summer. She also enjoys coming in during the fall and spring seasons. “These days are typically from 10 a.m. to about 2 p.m.,” she said.
Pettiegrew said she likes to teach her guests from a hands-on approach. “Many times the children will line up and just watch me weave, but I try to get them to try it. Sometimes they are hesitant, often they will come back and try before they leave.”
Bob Beute has been volunteering for the Village for a little over two years. He currently serves as the blacksmith, working in a building that once served as a blacksmith shop in the Village of Custer.
“I especially love the kid’s programs. We go over two things with them—making nails and horseshoeing. We may also talk about branding,” said Beute.
Dave Hartman has been volunteering at White Pine Village for about 16 years. “I am a horologist; it has always been a hobby,” he said. “I enjoy the people and of course the clocks. I love meeting so many wonderful people.”
Former carferry crewman Mike Braybrook has volunteered at the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum for eight years. He started a couple months after the museum opened.
“I am mainly a docent at the maritime museum but occasionally I help out at the Research Center when extra hands are needed,” Braybrook said. “I do anything that’s needed around the museum like giving private tours or setting up for programs in the hall but mainly the volunteers man the pilot house simulator to help visitors operate it.”
Braybrook said he decided to volunteer because he thought it would be interesting to fill time during his retirement. He believes 36 years of experience sailing on the Great Lakes and with the SS Badger is an asset to the museum.
Rebecca Berringer, executive director of the Mason County Historical Society, said volunteers are vital to the operation of the organization.
“They are dedicated, and they are passionate,” Berringer said. “They bring to life the history of the area. When guests have a living history experience those people are not going to forget that experience. The volunteers are helping them fully enjoy what all we have to offer.”
Berringer also mentioned that she cannot thank her volunteers enough for their time they put into the Historical Society.
The Mason County Historical Society is a non-profit charitable organization that was founded in 1937. While at one time the Society was supported by a local tax millage, it has operated autonomously, without taxpayer support, for over 30 years. Its mission is to preserve and present Mason County’s rich history, inspiring visitors to appreciate and engage with their heritage.
There are several levels of membership, include members that are earned in exchange for volunteerism. To learn more visit the Society’s website here.
Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief contributed to this article.
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