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NOTES TO RESEARCHERS

Researchers using the collection should come prepared to ask for specific information.  While staff members cannot provide extensive research, they will be pleased to assist in the use of the material in the collection.

POLICIES

Circulation: 

Because of in house user demand of genealogy and Michigan materials, most of the collection is available for reference use only at the Library and may not be checked out. 

Correspondence: 

The library will copy and mail obituaries if a specific date is given at $2.00 per obituary.  More extensive research is available at $15.00 per hour with a 1/2 hour minimum.

Microfilm readers:

There is a microform reader and printer at the Ludington library.  A one-hour time limit for searching may be necessary during periods of heavy use.

Photocopying:

Materials may be photocopied within the limits of current copyright laws.  All photocopies cost 20 cents per copy.

BASIC REFERENCE GUIDES

CEMETERIES

A listing of Mason County cemeteries is available on the Internet at:

www.ludingtonmichigan.net.

CENSUS RECORDS

Federal population census records are available on microfilm at the Ludington library for the counties of Mason, Oceana and Manistee for the years –

1850, 1860, 1870, 1880 1890, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930

CITY DIRECTORIES

Mason County city directories are available at the Ludington library  from 1950 to current.  There are some miscellaneous earlier books also available.

YEARBOOKS

The following yearbooks are available at the Ludington library:

Ludington High School

1914 – 1932, 1937, 1939 – 1957, 1961, 1977- 1989

Scottville High School

1911, 1912, 1919, 1921, 1964 – 1969

St. Simons High School

 1961 – 1964

ONLINE RESOURCES

Heritage Quest Online & MEL.ORG are available to researchers

COUNTY HISTORIES

Many Mason County history books and some state of Michigan history books are in the collection.  The library makes an effort to acquire all published books written by Mason County Authors and all published local histories.

MAPS AND ATLASES

Plat books and maps for Mason County are available for the years 1904, 1915, 1930 and 1978 to current.  Some surrounding plat books are also available.

NEWSPAPERS

The Ludington library  has Ludington newspapers on microfilm from 1880-1915 & 1924-2006 and loose editions for the current year.   The Mason County Press in loose copies from 1956 – 1976 (few issues missing) and 1986- 1987.

NATURALIZATION RECORDS

Declarations and citizenship papers for Mason County for the years 1870 – 1944 are available on microfilm at the Ludington library.

VITAL RECORDS

Mason County birth, death and marriage records are available at the Mason County Court House, located across from the Ludington Library, Monday – Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.  The years covered are 1867 to present. Cost for certified copies are $7.00.  Genealogy record copy is $3.00 per page (uncertified).  Space is limited and allows for two genealogists at one time.  No children are allowed.