For full details and registration, visit hsmichigan.org or call (800) 692-1828

September 27-29, 2019 Ludington, Michigan

Dave and Chrissie Hall Fund at Community Foundation • Great Lakes Castings Harbor Front Financial Group • Hegg’s Gallery of Fine Furniture • House of Flavors

Ludington Area School District • Riemer Eye Center

Tom and Shirley

Rasmussen

Watson Ludington

9-11:30 a.m. Choose one from the two concurrent items below.

1-2:30 p.m.

Attendees will be bussed to the tour locations above from the Comfort Inn. Seating is limited.

8 a.m.–4 p.m. Check-In and On-Site RegistrationComfort Inn, 5323 W. US-10, Ludington, MI 49431

To attend any Friday tour, session, or event, you must be a Regular Conference registrant.

If These Walls Could Talk: Researching Your Historic HouseRobert Myers, Historical Society of MichiganEvery house or building has a great story to tell. In this workshop, you will learn how to uncover house histories, including who built them and when, their architectural styles, and the stories of the families who called them home. After that, you will learn what to do with that information.

West Shore Community College, 3000 N. Stiles Road, Scottville, MI 49454

Friday a.M. Workshop • $25Historic White Pine VillageThe Historic White Pine Village offers a fun-filled tour of a pioneer village dating back to the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The village includes 30 historical exhibit buildings, all of which contain thousands of authentic artifacts and archives depicting the rich lumbering and agricultural history of the Mason County area.

1687 S. Lakeshore Drive, Ludington, MI 49431

Friday a.M. open house • Free

The SS Badger : A Legacy on Lake MichiganDon Clingan and Bob Manglitz, Lake Michigan CarferryBuilt to convey railroad cars across Lake Michigan, the Badger has been in operation since 1953. Now a National Historic Landmark, the ship has adapted to a changing world. This session explores the car ferry’s beginnings and how, in 1992, a businessman gave the retired Badger a new purpose—transporting vacationers.

West Shore Community College, 3000 N. Stiles Road, Scottville, MI 49454

Friday session • Free1-4 p.m.

Life in LudingtonThis tour highlights several unique aspects of Ludington’s history. A stop at the Epworth Assembly and Museum will offer attendees a close-up look into the fascinating resorting culture on Lake Michigan, and a special program at Lakeview Cemetery will feature presentations by historical interpreters.

Tour 2 • $20Water and WavesLudington is well-known throughout Michigan and beyond as one of the state’s most scenic waterfront communities. On this excursion, attendees will tour the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, view the fascinating sculptures at Waterfront Park, and explore the dock of the historical SS Badger steamship car ferry.

Tour 1 • $20History and HeritageSince the nineteenth century, Ludington has been a center for the history and heritage of Western Michigan. We will explore the Sandcastles Children’s Museum, Ludington Area Center for the Arts, Veterans Mall sculpture, and Ludington Public Library—all of which help preserve and present that rich culture today.

Tour 3 • $20

5 p.m. • President’s ReceptionPort of Ludington Maritime Museum • 217 S. Lakeshore Drive, Ludington, MI 49431The State History Awards for publications and media will be presented at 5:30 p.m.

Choose one afternoon item from the four listed below.

10:15-11:15 a.m. Concurrent Session I

8:30-9 a.m. • Historical Society of Michigan Business MeetingCome to hear about all the great projects that HSM has been working on and all the new programs available for members! Arrival refreshments will be available.

6:30 p.m. • State History Awards Banquet and KeynoteLincoln Hills Golf Club • 1527 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ludington, MI 49431The State History Awards for all categories, except publications and media, will be presented after dinner.

Preserving the Legacy: The Port of Ludington Maritime MuseumValerie van Heest, Lafferty van Heest and AssociatesWhen the U.S. Coast Guard abandoned its 1934 Ludington station for a new building, the Mason County Historical Society saw an opportunity to expand its small maritime exhibit—which was part of Historic White Pine Village—and save the historic structure from demolition. Join us in this keynote session to learn more about the rich maritime heritage of Ludington and how an exhibit design firm curated, designed, and fabricated the new 8,000-square-foot, three-story, highly interactive maritime museum.

9-10 a.m. • Welcome and Opening KeynoteThank God for Michigan! Our Boys in BlueMark Hoffman, AuthorMost Michigan Civil War soldiers served in units alongside other men from the same or nearby communities, which meant that issues in both the units and communities were often intertwined. “Back home” was the same place for most of the men. This keynote session will explore the written accounts of several young Michigan soldiers who fought in the war, including William Horton Kimball, who later settled in Ludington and became a prominent elected official and community leader.

10-10:15 a.m. Exhibits and Networking Time

8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Check-In and On-Site Registration West Shore Community College, 3000 N. Stiles Road, Scottville, MI 49454

Idlewild: A Respite From RacismBen C. Wilson, Western Michigan UniversityEstablished in 1912, Idlewild welcomed African Americans with no restrictions at a time when segregation was rampant. The small town eventually became one of the most popular African-American resorts in the Midwest. Join us and journey back to the decades when Idlewild offered rest, relaxation, and a respite from racism.

Time for a Road Trip: The West Michigan PikeBob Lukens, Visit Muskegon

Road trip enthusiasts and historians alike will be interested to learn the history of the West Michigan Pike, a pivotal automobile route along the Lake Michigan lakeshore that connected tourist

destinations from New Buffalo to Mackinaw City. Come to discover the history and long-lasting impacts of this one-of-a-kind tourism initiative.

Concurrent Session I continued

11:15-11:45 a.m. Exhibits and Networking Time

1:45-2 p.m. Exhibits and Networking Time

2-3 p.m. Concurrent Session II On the Hook: Lake Michigan Fishing IndustryFacilitated by John Revitte, Michigan State UniversityThe rich history of fishing on the Great Lakes reaches back centuries—and the story continues to this day. Join us in this session to listen to a panel of speakers describe their careers and perspectives on the Lake Michigan fishing industry, focusing on both Ludington and other Michigan towns.

Mini-Workshop—Grounded in Place: Enriching Historical NarrativesNatalie Ruth Joynton and Seán Henne, West Shore Community CollegeJoin this exciting workshop designed to help participants put their fingers on the pulse that makes a stunning historical narrative come alive. Drawing on their careers as writers and teachers, the presenters will explore and demonstrate some of the techniques authors use to give historical settings a full presence for readers.

Timber! The Lumber Industry in Manistee and Mason CountiesMichael W. Nagle, West Shore Community CollegeDid you know that more money was earned during Michigan’s Lumbering Era than California’s Gold Rush? Come to this session to learn about the logging industry in Manistee and Mason Counties, including the conditions experienced by hardworking lumbermen and the actions of numerous entrepreneurs who contributed greatly to Michigan’s economy.

Sentinel on the Shore: The Big Sable Point LighthousePeter Manting, Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers AssociationStanding on land formerly known by French explorers as Grande Point au Sable, the Big Sable Point Lighthouse has shined bright for mariners sailing as far as 19 miles out on Lake Michigan since 1867. This session will explore the history, preservation, and caretakers of this extraordinary 100-foot lighthouse.

11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m. • Luncheon KeynoteLudington: Becoming a Cultural DestinationWilliam Anderson, Historical Society of Michigan and Michigan State University Extension Advisory CouncilEight years ago, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority awarded the city of Ludington a grant to formulate a cultural economic development plan. This keynote session will explore how, nearly a decade later, the cultural life in Ludington and Mason County has been significantly enhanced and how the economic impact is being measured. The speaker will also describe how Ludington has developed its cultural visitor experience to move closer toward becoming a cultural destination.

Mini-Workshop—Bringing History to Life: Creating First-Person InterpretationsRick Plummer, Mason County Historical Society and West Shore Community CollegeThe museum visitor of today expects an interactive, hands-on experience—and first-person interpretation delivers on that expectation. Learn from the historical interpreters at the Mason County Historical Society’s Historic White Pine Village about how they bring history to life by providing authenticity, connection, and empathy for the people of the past.

Concurrent Session II continued

Built Michigan Tough: Ludington State ParkJim Gallie, Ludington State ParkDuring the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservations Corps (CCC) developed a mission to construct Ludington State Park and make it accessible to everyone. This session explores the history of the park and how the CCC at Camp Pere Marquette helped shape roads, campgrounds, hiking trails, and other fascinating infrastructures in Michigan.

Blossoming in Michigan: The Story of Betty Bloomer FordDonald Holloway, Gerald R. Ford Presidential MuseumFrom growing up in Grand Rapids to serving as First Lady of the United States in the White House, Betty Bloomer Ford always incorporated dance into her life. This session will discuss Betty’s love for dance; the relationship between her and her former dance instructor, Martha Graham; and the Bloomer family.

3-3:30 p.m. Refreshment Break and Exhibits

3:30-4:30 p.m. Concurrent Session III Pere Marquette: The Man, The Mission, and The MemorialJames R. Jensen, Mason County Historical SocietyPere Marquette, a French missionary and explorer, is a significant figure in the history of Mason County. In this session, the speaker will describe Marquette’s North American explorations during the 1600s, highlighting controversies over the location of his death along the Lake Michigan shoreline and the memorial erected to honor him.

First Peoples of LudingtonJay Sam, Little River Band of Ottawa IndiansThe captivating history of Michigan’s Native tribes stretches from time immemorial to the present day. Join us in this session to hear the speaker detail the rich past of Ludington’s and the surrounding area’s first residents—Native Americans—and their use of Western Michigan’s land, lakes, and rivers.

Michigan and the Moon: 50 Years Since ApolloNicolle Zellner, Albion CollegeFifty years ago, on July 20, 1969, the Apollo 11 lunar module “Eagle” put a man on the Moon for the first time in history. This session will explore Michigan’s many contributions to space exploration, including the astronauts and scientists of the Apollo program who have ties to Michigan, one dating as far back as 1894.

When Evil Strikes: The Good Hart MurdersRichard A. Wiles, Petoskey High School (Ret.)In the summer of 1968, a horrific crime shocked the Northern Michigan hamlet of Good Hart when vacationers Richard and Shirley Robison, along with their four children, were brutally slain in their cabin. Join us to learn about this ghastly mass murder, including who is believed to be the lone gunman.

Registration Discount for Residents of Mason County

HSM is offering a conference registration discount to residents of Mason County, the home of our host institutions, which is one of

the benefits for hosting this annual conference.

The discount is $30 off a Regular Conference Registration or $20 off a Saturday-Only Registration.

Your primary residence must be in Mason County to qualify for the discount.

Concurrent Session III continued

6 p.m. • Saturday Closing BanquetJamesport Brewing Company • 410 S. James Street, Ludington, MI 49431Join us for a wonderful dinner at the Jamesport Brewing Company, where we will delight in local flavors and enjoy our closing banquet. A ticket is required for this event.

8 p.m. • Dessert Cruise on the SS BadgerSS Badger Lake Michigan Carferry • 701 Maritime Drive, Ludington, MI 49431A short two-block walk or drive will bring you to the SS Badger, on which we will embark on a scenic evening cruise along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Attendees can explore the Badger, learn about the ship and its history, and enjoy a decadent dessert with new friends. Arrive by 8 p.m. to come aboard the carferry in time for the cruise. Tickets required.

Join us for an exciting tour of Ludington’s picturesque lakeshore. After a scenic drive through Ludington State Park, we will stop at the Big Sable Point Lighthouse, where a program on the lighthouse’s history will be given and tour-goers can climb the structure to enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. 5611 N. Lighthouse, Ludington, MI 49431. Meet at the park office (follow signs). A Recreational Passport is required for entry to the state park; otherwise a $16 entry fee will be collected.

9:30-11 a.M. Walking Tour • Big saBle poinT lighThouse • TickeT required • Free

2019 Planning Committee: Larry J. Wagenaar, Co-Chair, Historical Society of Michigan • Rebecca Berringer, Co-Chair, Mason County Historical Society • William Anderson, Historical Society of Michigan and Michigan State University Extension Advisory Council • Jacob Campbell, Historical Society of Michigan • Don Clingan, Lake Michigan Carferry • Nancy Feldbush, Historical

Society of Michigan • Mitchell Foster, City of Ludington • Thomas Hawley, West Shore Community College • James Jensen, Mason County Historical Society • Paul Keep, Historical Society of Michigan • Jason Kennedy, Ludington Area School District • Brandy Miller, Ludington and Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce • Robert Myers, Historical Society of Michigan • Mike Nagle, West

Shore Community College • Rick Plummer, West Shore Community College • Amy Wagenaar, Historical Society of Michigan

COnfeRenCe HOtelComfort Inn • (231) 845-7004

5323 W. US-10, Ludington, MI 49431

Conference Rate Thursday: $107 friday/Saturday: $123

Request the Michigan History Conference/Historical Society of Michigan rate when you make your reservation. Rate is guaranteed until Sept. 5,

2019. If rooms are still available after that date, rate may still be available.

Mini-Workshop—Memorable Memoirs: Creative Writing TechniquesNatalie Ruth Joynton, West Shore Community CollegeWhat makes us stop to listen to a story? Writers are trained to tell tales in an engaging way to a broad audience, and many of those practices are applicable for writers of all genres—including history. This workshop will help its participants write history in an engaging manner.

Manierre Dawson: Art PioneerSharon Bluhm and Thom Hawley, West Shore Community CollegeIn 1910, Manierre Dawson became the first artist in America to move deliberately from representational painting that sought to copy nature toward complete abstraction in its own right. In this session, the speakers will highlight Mason County fruit farmer Dawson’s life in Michigan, along with his revolutionary art and emerging legacy.

NAME MEAL PLAN

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Regular Conference (does nOt include Saturday Banquet/SS Badger cruise) Early-Bird Registration (by July 31) $155 $_________ Standard Registration (by September 15) $175 $_________ Late Registration (by September 20) $185 $_________Saturday-Only (does nOt include Saturday Banquet/SS Badger cruise) Early-Bird Registration (by July 31) $119 $_________ Standard Registration (by September 15) $139 $_________ Late Registration (by September 20) $149 $_________I would also like these optional items…friday morning (choose one)(requires Regular Conference registration) Friday A.M. Workshop†: Researching Houses $25 $_________ Friday A.M. Open House: White Pine Village Free $_________friday afternoon (choose one)(requires Regular Conference registration) Friday Session: The SS Badger Free $_________ Tour 1: Water and Waves $20 $_________ Tour 2: Life in Ludington $20 $_________ Tour 3: History and Heritage $20 $_________Saturday evening Saturday Closing Banquet/SS Badger cruise $45 $_________Sunday Walking tour Free $_________Mason County Resident Discount, if applicable (See bottom of previous page for more details) – $_________ total enclosed $_________

MeMBeR RegIStRatIOnRegular Conference (does nOt include Saturday Banquet/SS Badger cruise) Early-Bird Registration (by July 31) $195 $_________ Standard Registration (by September 15) $215 $_________ Late Registration (by September 20) $225 $_________Saturday-Only (does nOt include Saturday Banquet/SS Badger cruise) Early-Bird Registration (by July 31) $159 $_________ Standard Registration (by September 15) $179 $_________ Late Registration (by September 20) $189 $_________I would also like these optional items…friday morning (choose one)(requires Regular Conference registration) Friday A.M. Workshop†: Researching Houses $25 $_________ Friday A.M. Open House: White Pine Village Free $_________friday afternoon (choose one)(requires Regular Conference registration) Friday Session: The SS Badger Free $_________ Tour 1: Water and Waves $20 $_________ Tour 2: Life in Ludington $20 $_________ Tour 3: History and Heritage $20 $_________Saturday evening Saturday Closing Banquet/SS Badger cruise $45 $_________Sunday Walking tour Free $_________Mason County Resident Discount, if applicable (See bottom of previous page for more details) – $_________ total enclosed $_________

nOn-MeMBeR RegIStRatIOn*

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*Non-Member Registration includes a one-year HSM Household membership.Visit hsmichigan.org to register online. It’s fast, easy, and secure!

ORRegister by phone by calling toll-free: (800) 692-1828

ORFill out this form, then fax to: (517) 324-4370

ORFill out this form, then mail it in with your payment made payable to: Historical Society of MichiganMail to: Michigan History Conference • HSM • 5815 Executive Dr. • Lansing, MI 48911Please use the form below to pay by credit card

Conference RegistrationMichigan History Conference • September 27-29, 2019

Registration Deadlines:Early-Bird Registration Ends: July 31, 2019

Standard Registration Ends: September 15, 2019 Late Registration Ends: September 20, 2019

fill out one form for each attendee.Please make additional copies of this form as needed.

Please Note: Early-Bird Registration Ends: July 31, 2019. Standard Registration: August 1 – September 15, 2019. Late Registration: September 16 – 20, 2019. After September 20, 2019, registrations will be available only at the door and meal tickets will not be available. No refunds will be given after September 20, 2019. A locations map will be mailed with your confirmation.

Regular Conference Registration includes…President’s Reception, State History Awards Banquet, Saturday refreshments/luncheon, Sunday Walking Tour, and all regular sessions. (This does nOt include Saturday Banquet/SS Badger cruise.)Saturday-Only Registration includes…All Saturday daytime sessions, plus Saturday refreshments/luncheon. (This does nOt include Saturday Banquet/SS Badger cruise.)Member Registration includes…Member conference pricing applies to all those who live in the same household as an HSM member.non-Member Registration includes…A one-year HSM Household membership.†friday a.M. Workshop…Price is for conference attendees. To register for the workshop ONLY, the fee is $39 for HSM members or $79 for non-members (includes a one-year HSM Household membership).

Historical Society of Michigan 5815 Executive Dr. Lansing, MI 48911

NonprofitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 512

Lansing, MI

The SS Badger • The Port of Ludington Maritime Museum • First Peoples of Ludington • The Good Hart Murders Betty Bloomer Ford • Michigan and the Apollo Era • Idlewild • Ludington State Park

Lake Michigan’s Fishing Industry • Big Sable Point Lighthouse • Western Michigan’s Lumber Industry Ludington as a Cultural Destination • Artist Manierre Dawson • Michigan Boys in the Civil War • And More!

Michigan History Conference

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