Lyons Historical Society
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Lyons Historical Society dba the Lyons Redstone Museum was established in 1979 to preserve to the history of of the Town of Lyons Colorado and its 2000+ residents.
- Income
- $34,538
- Spending
- $36,464
- Reserves
- 15.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 85%
- Highest pay
- $8,453, seasonal part-time employee
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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, 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 (3)
- $18,797 spent. The annual Town of Lyons grant for summer museum wages was increased to $18,000 because of the minimum wage increase. The museum had 1529 visitors during the 5 summer months it was open in 2024.
- $6,970 spent. The $4970 SCFD grant and the $2000 Blue Mountain Foundation grant $2000 were used tor the 2024 operating expenses for the Lyons Redstone Museum. that opened its doors in 1979.
- $2,400 spent. The Lyons Historical Society received a $2400 assessment grant from the Lyons Community Foundation to improve and update its museum exhibits as it continues to preserve the history of the Lyons Colorado community.
Source: Form 990EZ 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 December 1975.
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.