Royal Oak Historical Society
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Royal Oak Historical Society is a volunteer organization that collects, displays and preserves information and objects about the city of Royal Oak, Michigan's past, for current and future generations. We present various special exhibits and presentations throughout the year and provide a venue for other groups and individuals to display their collections.
- Income
- $142,365
- Spending
- $83,212
- Reserves
- 23.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 47%
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 35Spendable reserves would cover 23.4 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 42% 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 (6)
- $2,323 spent. Our organization hosts an annual dinner in October for our members and their guests. The event features a buffet dinner and includes the election of officers and directors for the upcoming year. Additionally, we present the Bowman and Morrison awards to two distinguished members or volunteers who have made significant contributions to preserving the history of Royal Oak. We also bestow the Spirit of Royal Oak award upon a local business or organization in recognition of their dedication and support to our community.
- $7,524 spent. Every first Saturday in August, our annual Classic Car Show features over 100 vintage vehicles, showcasing the evolution of Historic Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak from the early 1900s to the 50s, 60s, and up to the present day. Additionally, we display Automotive Concept art created by retired designers from Detroit's major automobile manufacturers.
- $12,847 spent. We host 12 speaker programs annually, featuring experts discussing a range of topics pertinent to Royal Oak's history and other historical events in Michigan's surrounding areas. These occur on the second Friday of each month and are open to everyone. Topics include "A Walk Down Indian Trail," "Every Name Has a Face" (focusing on the 189 names on the Royal Oak Veterans War Memorial), "Indian Trails in Royal Oak," "The Interurban and Street Cars in Royal Oak," "Lighthouse Keepers," "Royal Oak Architecture," among other fascinating subjects.
- We offer various history classes that involve students and teachers from Royal Oak Schools' elementary schools to discuss different historical topics relevant to the Royal Oak area. In the 2023 season, we covered the Underground Railroad and the Royal Oak Freedom Seekers, focusing on Henry and Elizabeth Hamer, as recounted by their great-great-great-granddaughter LaKeesha Morrison.
- $864 spent. We host the Royal Oak Community Annual Pancake Breakfast every Memorial Day, following the Royal Oak Memorial Day parade and Veterans Memorial service. The event takes place at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, courtesy of the Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority. We offer all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage for a modest donation to the museum, typically serving between 300 and 500 guests.
- $12,848 spent. We designed and had made a cast aluminum Centennial Home Plaque that home owners in Royal can purchase for there 100-year-old or more home
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 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 November 6, 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 October 2003.
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 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.