Doleman Black Heritage Museum
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The organization's primary exempt purpose is to collect, preserve, interpret, and share African American history and culture, with a focus on the heritage of the Jonathan Street community and the broader Western Maryland region. Through exhibitions, educational programs, cultural events, and community engagement, the organization promotes historical understanding, cultural awareness, and public access to African American heritage.
- Income
- $184,780
- Spending
- $258,497
- Reserves
- 4.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
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
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 4.4 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 3% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 40% 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 (3)
- $11,163 spent. The Doleman Black Heritage Museum conducted its annual Juneteenth Celebration, a community-based cultural and educational program honoring the history of emancipation and African American heritage. The event provided free, public access to historical exhibits, guided interpretation, and presentations on the origins of Juneteenth, Reconstruction, and the legacy of the Jonathan Street community. Activities included cultural performances, youth engagement stations, storytelling, and hands-on learning experiences designed to increase understanding of African American history. The program also featured a community marketplace supporting local Black-owned businesses and artisans. DBHM's Juneteenth activities strengthened cultural awareness, promoted community engagement, and advanced the museum's mission to preserve and interpret African American history in Washington County.
- $148,844 spent. The organization advanced its capital redevelopment project through HUD CPF pre-construction activities. Work included design development by Travis Price Architects, structural engineering by Silman, and environmental and geotechnical studies by Geo-Technology Associates. Key tasks included site planning, topography, environmental assessment, geotechnical soil studies, demolition and stabilization planning, and preparation of permit-ready drawings for the museum and accessory cafe conversion. Additional work included development of construction documents for the approved container sculpture, planning for ADA elevator access, infill of the existing atrium, and design of a new 1,920 SF storage facility. Bi-monthly coordination meetings were held with architects, engineers, and project managers to ensure compliance with HUD requirements and readiness for permit submission.
- $52,120 spent. The Project Director provided leadership and coordination for the museum's capital redevelopment project. Services included managing design development activities with Travis Price Architects, structural engineers, environmental consultants, and geotechnical teams; overseeing HUD CPF pre-construction requirements; organizing bi-monthly project meetings; tracking progress on site planning, environmental assessments, geotechnical studies, demolition planning, and permit-ready drawings; coordinating development of construction documents for the approved sculpture; and supporting planning for ADA access, building conversion, and storage facility design. The Project Director ensured compliance with HUD guidelines, maintained communication among consultants and the DBHM Board, and supported preparation for permit submission.
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
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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since October 2009.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.