High Desert Museum

Mission

The High Desert Museum's history began when founder Donald M. Kerr raised a wolf cub for his high school biology class. Originally founded in 1974 as the Western Natural History Institute, today the Museum remains true to Kerr's guiding principle that education and experience are the basis for thoughtful decisions. Opened in 1982, the Museum is dedicated to broadening the understanding of the High Desert's wildlife, culture, art and natural resources. In doing so, it strives to promote thoughtful decision making to sustain the region's natural and cultural heritage. Through exhibits, wildlife, and living history, the Museum creates learning experiences to help audiences discover their connection to the past, their role in the present, and their responsibility to the future.

Bend OR | EIN: 51-0179336
Profile managed by nonprofit | Is this your nonprofit?
501(c)(3) organization
59800 South Highway 97,
Bend OR 97702
https://www.highdesertmuseum.org/
541-382-4754

High Desert Museum

Mission

The High Desert Museum's history began when founder Donald M. Kerr raised a wolf cub for his high school biology class. Originally founded in 1974 as the Western Natural History Institute, today the Museum remains true to Kerr's guiding principle that education and experience are the basis for thoughtful decisions. Opened in 1982, the Museum is dedicated to broadening the understanding of the High Desert's wildlife, culture, art and natural resources. In doing so, it strives to promote thoughtful decision making to sustain the region's natural and cultural heritage. Through exhibits, wildlife, and living history, the Museum creates learning experiences to help audiences discover their connection to the past, their role in the present, and their responsibility to the future.

Bend OR | EIN: 51-0179336
Profile managed by nonprofit | Is this your nonprofit?
501(c)(3) organization
59800 South Highway 97,
Bend OR 97702
https://www.highdesertmuseum.org/
541-382-4754

Beacon Report

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  • Additional Information
Website Reported on Tax Form:Yes
SCORE100%

Disclosing the charity’s website promotes transparency and provides access to the public.

Source: Public data from IRS Form 990. Fiscal Year 2025.

Accountability Panel
ScoreMetric
100%
Website Reported on Tax Form:Yes

Disclosing the charity’s website promotes transparency and provides access to the public.

Source: Public data from IRS Form 990. Fiscal Year 2025.

100%
No Material Diversion of Assets:Yes
100%
Financial Statements:Yes
100%
Audit Oversight Committee:Yes
100%
No Loans Reported To or From Officers:Yes
100%
Records Retention Policy:Yes
100%
Tax Form Disclosed on Website:Yes
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