Overview
What is Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society?
The Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society is a dedicated organization, operating as The Buffalo History Museum, located in Buffalo, New York. Their primary mission revolves around preserving and showcasing the area's history, encompassing a vast collection of over 100,000 physical objects and 220,000 archival items. This extensive catalog forms an invaluable resource in understanding Western New York's past. The society maintains an off-site storage facility, equipped with customized artifact storage units and climate-controlled areas, ensuring the preservation of these priceless treasures. A team of full-time staff members, along with trained interns and volunteers, meticulously care for the collection, processing new donations, conducting inventory work, and prioritizing items for conservation treatment. Annually, the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society invests at least $20,000 in artifact conservation, supplemented by special grants and designated gifts. Notable acquisitions include over 100 children's garments and 32 Buffalo Bills items, as well as original works by Seneca artist Marie Watt and contemporary material culture related to the pandemic. Beyond preservation, the society shares local stories and creates engaging exhibits and programs, contributing to education and entertainment. The society's work fosters emotional and social connections within the unique community it serves, inspiring a shared understanding and appreciation of the area's rich history.
Official website here: www.buffalohistory.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 77% (Three-Star out of Four Stars)
The Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society has received a Three-Star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating a good level of accountability and finance management. The overall score is based solely on the Accountability & Finance beacon, which reflects the organization's commitment to transparency and responsible financial practices. The high scores in critical areas, such as having an entirely independent board and robust audit processes, highlight the society's dedication to good governance.
Strengths include a strong independent board, with 100% of its members being independent, and excellent financial oversight mechanisms. The organization has no reported material diversion of assets, and it adheres to several best practices, including conflict of interest and whistleblower policies. Additionally, the society maintains a healthy liabilities-to-assets ratio, suggesting sound financial health.
However, the program expense ratio is relatively low at 54.68%, indicating that a smaller portion of its expenses is directed towards its programs compared to administrative or fundraising costs. While the organization exhibits high accountability standards, potential donors and supporters may want to consider this aspect when evaluating its overall impact and effectiveness in fulfilling its mission.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
What do the Facebook reviews say about Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society?
With 86% of 903 reviewers on Facebook recommending the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society, it seems that this nonprofit is making a positive impact in the community. Several patrons have expressed their enjoyment of the exhibits, highlighting a particular appreciation for the recent display dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Buffalo State College conservation program.
Visitors often describe their experiences as engaging and worthwhile, indicating that the society does a commendable job in showcasing local history and educational projects. The mention of ongoing improvements, like the initiative to open up space under the portico, suggests a commitment to enhancing the visitor experience and advancing their offerings.
Overall, the sentiment is largely favorable, with many users encouraging others to explore what the historical society has to offer. It appears that they not only deliver on their promise to educate and engage but also continue to evolve their facilities for future visitors.
This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.
Is Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society legitimate?
Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $103,103
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $818,696
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.buffalohistory.org
What is the mission statement of Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society?
The Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society's mission is centered around experiencing history with the community. They achieve this by remembering, discovering, safeguarding, and sharing local stories through various means. This includes creating exhibits and programs, cataloging and safeguarding a vast array of artifacts, and educating and entertaining visitors. Their activities are designed to spark emotional and social connections within their unique community, encouraging learning and exploration together. The society's collections, which include over 100,000 physical objects and 220,000 archival items, play a significant role in shaping their understanding of the region's history. The society invests in preserving these artifacts, spending at least $20,000 annually on conservation treatment. Notable additions to their collection include Buffalo Bills items and original works by Seneca artist Marie Watt.
Official website here: www.buffalohistory.org
What is the revenue of Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society?
Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society's revenue in 2023 was $1,599,107.
Official website here: www.buffalohistory.org
Who are the executives of Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society during 2023 was $32,921. There are 28 employees and 40 volunteers at Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society.
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- Compensation: $92,388
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Official website here: www.buffalohistory.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society?
Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.buffalohistory.org
Learn more at the official website: www.buffalohistory.org
Mission Statement of Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society
Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society, in its mission, is committed to an immersive and engaging journey through history. By remembering, discovering, safeguarding, and sharing local stories, the organization aims to foster emotional and social connections within its unique community. The society's activities encompass the collection and preservation of artifacts, the creation of exhibits and programs, and the provision of education and entertainment.
The heart of Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society's mission lies in its extensive collection of over 100,000 physical objects and over 220,000 archival items. These treasures serve as a testament to the history of Western New York, shaping our understanding of the region's past. The society employs a team of full-time staff members, interns, and volunteers who meticulously care for the collections, processing new donations, conducting inventory work, and prioritizing artifacts for conservation treatment. The organization invests significant resources in preserving these artifacts, spending at least $20,000 annually on conservation treatments, supplemented by special grants and designated gifts.
Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society's collections include a diverse array of items, such as 32 Buffalo Bills memorabilia, nearly 100 children's garments, original works by Seneca artist Marie Watt, and contemporary material culture associated with the pandemic. The society's commitment to preserving and sharing these artifacts not only celebrates the past but also serves as a bridge to the present and future, fostering a deeper connection to the community's history and heritage.
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Impact
October, 2024
Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society plays a vital role in preserving and sharing the rich history of Western New York. By collecting and safeguarding a diverse array of artifacts, including over 100,000 physical objects and more than 220,000 archival items, it helps shape the understanding of the region's past. The meticulous care of collections, managed by a dedicated team and supported by trained interns and volunteers, ensures that items such as children's garments, Buffalo Bills memorabilia, and works by local artists are preserved for future generations.
The society not only protects these treasures but also engages the community through customized exhibits and programs, effectively bringing local stories to life. Its mission to educate and entertain fosters emotional and social connections, allowing individuals to discover and remember their shared heritage. With an annual budget of at least $20,000 allocated for artifact conservation, the society demonstrates its commitment to upholding the historical narrative of Buffalo and the surrounding area, making history accessible and relevant to the community it serves.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2023.
- Investment Income: $77,438
- Program Service Revenue: $173,053
- Gross Receipts: $1,879,438
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $8,331,761
- Total Liabilities: $488,537
- Net Assets: $7,843,224
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
ADMISSIONS
Revenue
$113,784
MEMBERSHIPS
Revenue
$59,269
Organization Details
Founding Year
1862
Principal Officer
Kevin Brady
Website
www.buffalohistory.orgNTEE Category
Code: A54 - Arts
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