Dekalb History Center

Decatur, GA · Founded 1965

Historical society preserving and sharing the heritage of DeKalb County, Georgia

Primary audience
General public
Work area
Research
Topic
Community development
Contact
Melissa Carlson
Website Contact

About Organization

DeKalb History Center collects, preserves, and interprets local history through archives, museum exhibits, and educational programs. Based in Decatur, GA, the organization operates with $732,000 in annual revenue and 10 employees, maintaining public research facilities.

What They Focus On

Mission Delivery

Implementing core programs that directly advance organizational purpose.

Capacity Building

Strengthening infrastructure through strategic planning and resource development.

Community Impact

Creating measurable outcomes that benefit populations served.

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$732K

-7.9% vs 2023

Expenses (2024)

$719K

+18.7% vs 2023

Assets (2024)

$1.6M

-2% vs 2023

Employees (2024)

10

+11.1% vs 2023

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2024 $731,971 $719,484 $1,583,692 10
2023 $795,116 $606,250 $1,615,511 9
2022 $717,824 $634,205 $1,301,020 9
2020 $443,370 $419,307 $991,608 8
2019 $561,720 $528,339 $966,213 10
2018 $557,322 $478,960 $894,601 12

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Identify Needs

    Assess community priorities through stakeholder engagement and analysis.

  • 02

    Plan Initiatives

    Design strategic programs and allocate resources to address needs.

  • 03

    Execute Programs

    Implement services through trained staff while maintaining quality standards.

  • 04

    Evaluate Results

    Measure outcomes and gather feedback to assess impact and improve.

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Dekalb History Center

General Support

Grant-funded initiative supporting organizational mission and community needs.

Support Services

Comprehensive assistance programs addressing diverse community needs and priorities.

Support Services

Comprehensive assistance programs addressing diverse community needs and priorities.

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Dekalb History Center.

MC

Melissa Carlson

Executive Director
Full-time
Compensation: $102,243
CF

Caroline Freeman

At Large & Director
1 hrs/week
JS

Jacqui Steele

President
1 hrs/week
SC

Scott Candler IV

President-Elect
1 hrs/week
VB

Valerie Biggerstaff

At Large & Director
1 hrs/week

Milestones

1965

Organization Founded

1965

Dekalb History Center was established to address community needs and advance its mission.

1973

Leadership Development

1973

Strengthened governance with expanded board and executive team.

2022

Program Expansion

2022

Significant growth in organizational capacity and service delivery.

2024

Community Impact

2024

Demonstrated effectiveness through measurable program outcomes.

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AT
Angela Turk Director 1.00 hrs/week
BW
Betty Willis Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
CM
Cathy Mullins Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
CS
Charlene S Bowden Director 1.00 hrs/week
CS
Claudia Stucke Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
DS
Dave Stanhope Director 1.00 hrs/week
DV
Deborah Van Broekhoven Secretary 1.00 hrs/week
DS
Dee Smith Director 1.00 hrs/week
DW
Demetrice Williams Director 1.00 hrs/week
JR
Jack Regan Treasurer 1.00 hrs/week
JM
Jackson McQuigg Director 1.00 hrs/week
KH
Kenneth H Thomas Jr Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
LW
Lynn Watson-Powers Director 1.00 hrs/week
MK
Mary K Jarboe Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
MB
Monique Brown Director 1.00 hrs/week
SD
Scott Drake Director 1.00 hrs/week
SR
Stacy Rieke Director 1.00 hrs/week
SC
Stephanie Cherry-Farmer Director 1.00 hrs/week
TW
Tricia Wynegar Drake Director 1.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2024)

$102K

Highest Paid

$102K

Melissa Carlson

Compensated Officers

1

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Melissa Carlson Executive Director $102,243 — $102,243 40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$10K Grants Received
1 Organizations

Top Funders

1 total
AO
American Online Giving Foundation Inc.
$10K

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Contact

Get in touch with Dekalb History Center

Phone

(404) 373-1088

Social

Visit Website
101 E Court Square Decatur, GA 30030