The Mason County Historical Society formally opened the Rose Hawley Museum to the public on May 23, 1951. Rose Hawley had purchased a map of Ludington and Buttersville dated 1886 and when she took this first item to a Historical Society meeting, she was named program chairman and she set to work looking into the local history.

The museum was consolidated with the Historic White Pine Village setting in 1994. At that time, the large two-story building at the village became the Rose Hawley Museum and provided exhibit area for furniture, clothing and a music gallery. The Music Gallery has since been incorporated into the new Museum of Music, which was dedicated in 1999.

Pictured above is a Camera Set (1990.13.01) circa 1876, which was donated by Doug Leafstrand.

Pictured at right is a selection from the doll collection (1996.78.01) which was donated by the estate of Edna Wadel.