San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To collect and preserve significant historical materials that relate to the early history and culture of Texas and to promote the study of the history of Texas through exhibits, publications, and educational programs.
- Income
- $1.8 million
- Spending
- $1.0 million
- Spent on programs
- 69%
- Reserves
- 33.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 67%
- Employees
- 11
- Volunteers
- 118
- Highest pay
- $131,220, director of operations
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 89% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 33.7 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 5% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 45% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 12% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1569% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 10 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 49% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2517 of 17 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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)
- $501,743 spent. Museum and Monument: The San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield Association is located in the base of the San Jacinto Monument. The museum was established not only to honor those who fought for Texas in 1836, but also to re-visualize the history of Texas and the Spanish Southwest. It was created as a steward of history, and to promote friendship between Texas, Mexico, Spain, France and Latin America. Special treasures can be found from Mexican Texas, the Texas revolution, and the Republic of Texas. The museum also holds art and artifacts from the Spanish conquest, French Texas (a small collection), Spanish colonial life, the Mexican Revolution and the Anglo colonization of Mexican Texas. Texas's early statehood and the Civil War are also featured. Continued on Schedule O Admission to the Museum allows guest access to the Theatre: "Texas Forever!! The Battle of San Jacinto," with a repeat showing every hour on the hour, which tells the story of Texas history. This 35-minute production brings you from the earliest Spanish colonies to the day the West was won. Included in the film's 3,000+ images are 35 original paintings commissioned by the Museum just for "Texas Forever!!"
- $114,408 spent. Museum Shop: Available for sale at the museum's shop are items related to Texas history including books, maps, art, historic reproductions, and similar educational materials.
- $29,722 spent. San Jacinto Day: This dramatic battle reenactment is the centerpiece of the admission-free San Jacinto Day Festival, held on the grounds surrounding the San Jacinto Monument. Sponsored by the San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield Association, Texas Historical Commission and the San Jacinto Volunteers, the festival is a full day of music, entertainment, food, games and fun set amidst living history.
- $45,322 spent. Library: The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Library began in 1939 with gifts from the descendants of Texas heroes. The library's holdings include books and other research materials relating to early exploration and statehood with an emphasis on colonial Texas as a part of Mexico, the Republic of Texas, and the early days of Texas statehood.Fall Fandango: A family friendly admission-free event allowing guest to explore civilian life on the Texas frontier, a glimpse into the 1830's, authentic historical games, live traditional folk music, dance performances, talented artisans and historical reenactors, and market vendors and food trucks.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 October 13, 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 November 1940.
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 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.