Lower Macungie Township Historical Society
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Lower Macungie Township Historical Society's Mission is to collect, preserve, and celebrate the history of Lower Macungie Township.
- Income
- $72,810
- Spending
- $150,893
- Reserves
- 3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 57 out of 100. Higher than 26% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 3.0 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 107% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $145,250 spent. The Fries Rebellion film, which describes the events of the Fries Rebellion which took place in our township and the surrounding area, was produced in anticipation of upcoming America250 celebrations. More than 700 individuals have viewed the film during 12 screenings held in late 2024, and another 825 have viewed the film during 12 more screenings held during the first quarter of 2025. Distribution plans including: fundraising events; a gala (held in September 2024); screenings; meetings with high school curriculum directors; search for film distribution agent; DVD production, promotion through direct mail, social media and news outlets; arrangements for scheduled airings on PCN; newsletter articles; and on-line video rental began in late 2024 and will continue through 2025. The educational film has won 14 national and international film festival awards to date and is an America250PA 'recognized project.' Our goal is to distribute 1,000 DVDs of the 32-minute film to local public and school libraries. A teacher's guide for the film has also been made available.
- $625 spent. The Bartholomew Center for the Preservation of Lower Macungie Township History is a museum established in 2017. The museum contains artifacts and exhibits pertaining to the history of our township. It is operated and maintained by an all-volunteer staff, primarily composed of our board members. During 2024, our staff organized archives; maintained veterans' biographies; maintained Past Perfect archival database; made genealogical information and research tools available at the museum; handled acquisition, accession, and appropriate care of artifacts; received an average of 4 museum visitors or families on Sundays; hosted occasional private museum tours and other activities; engaged in historical research for our newsletters (3/yr.) and planned book publications; maintained and updated our social media sites; and oversaw administrative and fundraising activities. An estimated 3,360 volunteer hours (1.6 Full-time-equivalent employees) were provided.
- $68 spent. Our historical society was formed in 1989, initially to preserve a log house built in about 1790 from demolition. The log house was moved to a local park and was restored largely by volunteer efforts. The log house and surrounding gardens are maintained by our board members and volunteers. We typically offer three public events at the site each year as well as occasional private tours. Events are advertised through social media, newsletters, and our website. Attendance at our spring, fall and Christmas events varies greatly, but we see an average of 12 visitors per event.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since April 1993.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.