A book to start with is Organizing Your Museum: The Essentials published by the American Association of Museums. this is a compilation of essays dealing with establishing a museum. As each state is different in regulating non-profit organizations, you should contact either your states
attorney office or your department of state officials. They will have the proper forms and regulations for establishing a non-profit organization. Federal tax exemption is filed through the IRS. You can review the qualifications and necessary forms at their web site
http://www.irs.gov/.
Good luck in your endeavors.

Andy Morrow

Verity Castell wrote:

> To All,
>    I am currently trying to form an historical society in a town that has
> none.  We also do not have an historical commission or any museums at all. I
> am looking for advice on where to begin, how to get 501c(3) status and how to
> form valuable connections with larger musuems or societies.  Any help will be
> greatly appreciated.
>                    Thanks,
>                       Verity Castell
>                       Spencer, Massachusetts
> PS. Can you get a Board together when you do not yet have 501c status or
> should the one follow the other?
>
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