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Altadena Historical Society

EIN 23-7372694 · Altadena, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthNot ratedToo small or too little detailGovernanceFair59 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Historical Societys collections are archived in 800 square feet at the Altadena Community Center and include a vast array of unique historical material. Volunteers run AHS for the benefit of current and future members residents scholars educators students writers and journalists who want to learn more about Altadenas past.

Income
$438,026
Spending
$36,199
Spent on programs
77%
Reserves
82.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 93%
Employees
0
Volunteers
22

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 59 out of 100. Higher than 28% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    8 of 8 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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)
  1. $1,117 spent. The Eaton Fire Oral History Project is a two year effort by the Altadena Historical Society to record and preserve oral and visual accounts from Altadena residents. A team of 12 filmmakers photographers interviewers and producers is documenting community history personal experiences during the Eaton Fire and residents visions for the future. The project will create a permanent archive that strengthens understanding of Altadenas past and resilience. Each interview preserves more than a moment in time. It captures the deep roots residents have in Altadena the fear and uncertainty of the fire the strength shown in its aftermath and the hopes they carry forward. Together these stories will become a lasting archive that honors the people who define Altadena and ensures their experiences are never forgotten. This program is just starting and will continue over the next two years.
  2. $6,568 spent. Altadena Historical Societys 90 th Anniversary In December 2025 more than 200 residents gathered for the Altadena Historical Societys Community Holiday Event-the first time the community had come together since the Eaton Fires devastation. The evening was both a celebration and a homecoming highlighted by the unveiling of the Anniversary Edition of Michele Zacks Between Wilderness and City. The event honored the Societys 90 years of preserving Altadenas story and reminded everyone the strength and unity that define this community.
  3. $20,243 spent. The Ellen Garrison Clark Scholarship Program is our way of honoring a woman whose courage still echoes through Altadena. Born to enslaved parents Ellen Garrison Clark became a fierce defender of civil rights and educationoften at great personal risk. Her story reminds us that progress is built by everyday people who refuse to be silenced. To carry her legacy forward the Altadena Historical Society awards four scholarships every Juneteenth to local students who embody her values of learning service and determination. The program also includes a community hike inviting residents to walk together in celebration of freedom resilience and the landscape that shaped Clarks life and work. In January the Altadena Historical Society welcomed the community back for its first speaker event since the Eaton Fire featuring a powerful and engaging talk by Paul Ayers. More than sixty residents filled the room-neighbors longtime members and newcomers eager to reconnect and learn. Ayers guided the audience through a vivid history of Altadena before the fires then traced how fire has shaped the foothills neighborhoods and community identity over the decades. His talk helped residents place the Eaton Fire within a much larger story of resilience and adaptation.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since January 1998.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. 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.