Skip to the page content
Your donations
Passes our checks

Ohio Railway Museum

EIN 31-6049234 · Worthington, OH

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Education is at the heart of everything we do. As custodians of a unique and historic rail collection, we hold a deep responsibility to both the past and the future to preserve the knowledge of this industry. Fueled by a passion for trains and their cultural significance, we diligently research, organize, display, and share the stories that convey the rich history of railroads and their impact on society. Preservation, our most resource-intensive objective, ensures that this history remains accessible and intact for generations to come. Countless hours are devoted to maintaining and expanding our collection, as well as the infrastructure that supports it. Our dedicated staff works tirelessly to keep the exhibits safe, operational, and enduring. None of this would be possible without the vital support of our visitors. Every ticket sold, piece of merchandise purchased, and donation given directly sustains our efforts to keep rail history alive and thriving.

Income
$73,605
Spending
$69,815
Reserves
47.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
other income, 58%

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

Financial health

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 85% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 47.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 14% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 5% of income.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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, 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 (7)
  1. $3,050 spent. Beautification of the grounds to include a deck and stairs to the historic Cleveland RTA which will be used as a meeting room and area that can be rented for parties. Extended brick walkway and added flower boxes. Built a pollinator garden and added butterfly houses down the railroad mainline.
  2. $200 spent. Held several Cub Scout and Boy Scout events to include Railroad Merit Badge classes and Eagle Scout projects. Eagle Scout completed restoration on a historic baggage cart which is on display at the museum. 20 Cub Scouts obtained their merit badges
  3. $500 spent. Continued restoration on Columbus Streetcar 703 which is the last existing Columbus streetcar of its series. Once completed guests will be able to enjoy rides on this piece of history.
  4. $500 spent. Built a passenger loading/unloading platform/deck in the Silcott Yard section of the museum facility to allow for special events to be held in that area.
  5. $750 spent. Continued maintenance, repair, and upgrade to the museum railroad mainline which is the former right-of-way of the Columbus, Delaware, and Marion Electric Railroad which went bankrupt in 1933
  6. $8,981 spent. Held multiple special events such as 2 Halloween events and a Christmas event which were well attended
  7. $1,400 spent. Continued seat replacement in the Erie Doodlebug

Source: Form 990EZ 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? Worth knowing.

    Status was revoked on May 15, 2012 for not filing returns for three years. The IRS now lists it as tax-exempt again.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 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 2015.

    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 November 4, 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.