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Historical Society of Michigan

EIN 38-1452689 · Lansing, MI

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceGood70 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Historical Society of Michigan will foster in citizens a deeper understanding of and appreciation for all Michigan history through programs and publications; preserve and promote Michigan history through conferences, publications, awards, educational programs, consulting services and related historical activities; coordinate and further the program of local historical societies and local historians by functioning as a statewide service organization and communication network; cooperate with appropriate individuals on a local, state and national level and/or with organizations and institutions in projects and activities that will promote and sustain interest in history; enhance public support for the preservation and protection of Michigan history.

Income
$2.4 million
Spending
$2.1 million
Spent on programs
82%
Reserves
6.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 45%
Employees
27
Volunteers
215
Highest pay
$165,372, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 80% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 11% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 13% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 30% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    82% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 3 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 70 out of 100. Higher than 19% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    21 of 22 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a 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.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    0 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 June 30, 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 (4)
  1. $774,897 spent. The Historical Society of Michigan was involved in programs and services reaching various targeted groups involved with Michigan history. HSM conducts numerous training workshops for local historical organizations; provides support to small to medium sized historical entities with a host of services such as website assistance, best practices, and other needs; and provides extensive promotional opportunities to expose local historical programming and resources to a statewide audience.
  2. $250,514 spent. The Historical Society of Michigan sponsored program and other activities for teachers of state and local history and their students. Its flagship educational program is Michigan History Day (National History Day in Michigan) in which over 6,000 students participate. The program, which runs from late fall to late spring, develops a wide variety of talents including research and critical thinking skills, literacy, communication and presentation abilities, and more.
  3. $502,402 spent. The Historical Society of Michigan provided publications including 2 magazines and a scholarly journal focusing on Michigan history. They include the largest state history magazine in the country, Michigan History, which has a circulation of 16,000 and over 100,000 readers; the chronicle, a four color member's magazine that features history features, news, calendar of events, and more; and also distributes the Michigan Historical Review, an academic journal focused on Michigan and Great Lakes history. The Historical Society of Michigan occasionally does other publications such as the Historical Michigan Travel Guide, Michigan History Directory, and Michigan History for Kids Curriculum.
  4. $190,859 spent. The organization received a collection of historical books, as well as the first map printed of the state of Michigan in 1837. These items support the organization's education mission and will be used for historical research. They also enhance a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, Michigan history.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 June 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 July 1949.

    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.