We are registered as a 501(c3) non-profit organization and are self supporting through donations and volunteer support through our members, income from the research library, tours, and our gift shop. We do use some grant funding on a limited basis.

Like most non-profits, our financial structure is divided into components – unrestricted funds, restricted funds, and the endowment fund.

Unrestricted funds are funds we use to operate the Society because they are not restricted to a specific purpose. In general terms, this is our general operating fund. It covers our payroll, insurances, utilities and office expense. It also covers a large portion of the costs related to events and fundraising.

Restricted funds are dedicated to a specific purpose. For example, we have a fund dedicated to capital improvements. Funds from CI cannot be used for any other purpose.

The endowment fund are funds donated to the society for its ongoing support, usually legacies donated to the society. This is invested, and we use the interest revenue to fund part of the general operating fund (or, if the legacy requires it, specific restricted uses). 

In May of 2025, the society board voted to move a substantial portion of its endowment fund to the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan. More information about this is available by contacting us.

A major factor in this support are our annual events: the Summer Ice Cream Social, our annual Spring and Fall Auctions, and the winter Victorian Open House. Through these events, we fund part of our general operating fund. 

Our Annual Giving Campaign and Giving Tuesdays campaigns fund not only part of the general operating fund, but replenish our restricted funds as well.

Annual Yearbook

A copy of our annual yearbook for the current year is available on request. Printed copies are available in our office.

Tax Returns

Non-profit organizations file an IRS Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. These documents are open to public inspection, and are available via email or printed at our office.

Bylaws

The Society operates from a set of bylaws, created and amended from time to time. They are available upon request via email or printed copy at our office.