Nonprofit · EIN 51-0282621
THE INTERNATIONAL GROUP FOR HISTORIC AIRCRAFT RECOVERY
Also known as TIGHAR
Tax-exempt · OXFORD, PA 19363
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 2025 | 990 | $201,049 | $384,811 | -$183,762 | $164,115 | $359,780 | -$195,665 |
| June 30, 2024 | 990 | $201,951 | $232,043 | -$30,092 | $384,252 | $396,155 | -$11,903 |
| June 30, 2023 | 990 | $251,382 | $259,425 | -$8,043 | $396,546 | $375,629 | $20,917 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $205,529
- Membership dues
- $65,516
- Program service revenue
- $25
- Investment income
- $0
- Net income from sales of inventory
- -$4,505
- Other revenue
- -$4,505
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $0
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $263,122
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $273,928
- Professional fundraising fees
- $0
- Accounting fees
- $3,801
- Occupancy
- $24,539
- Travel
- $256
- Depreciation
- $588
- Program services (functional)
- $44,168
- Management and general (functional)
- $339,893
- Fundraising (functional)
- $750
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $384,252
- Total assets, end of year
- $164,115
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $359,780
- Net assets, end of year
- -$195,665
- Land, buildings and equipment
- $19,722
- Gross receipts
- $208,476
- Employees
- 2
- Volunteers
- 200
- Year formed
- 1985
- State of legal domicile
- PA
From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.
Officers, directors and key employees
As listed on the 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| RICHARD GILLESPIE | EXEC. DIRECT Trustee or director, Officer | 60 | $131,561 |
| PATRICIA THRASHER | PRESIDENT/TR Trustee or director, Officer | 60 | $131,561 |
| WILLIAM CARTER | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| ERNIE LEROY | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| ANDREW MCKENNA | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| MARK SMITH | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
990 for the year ended June 30, 2024: 6 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| WILLIAM CARTER | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| RICHARD GILLESPIE | EXEC. DIRECT Trustee or director, Officer | 60 | $0 |
| ERNIE LEROY | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| ANDREW MCKENNA | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| MARK SMITH | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 2 | $0 |
| PATRICIA THRASHER | PRESIDENT/TR Trustee or director, Officer | 60 | $0 |
990 for the year ended June 30, 2023: 6 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| RICHARD GILLESPIE | EXEC. DIRECT Trustee or director, Officer | 60 | $19,615 |
| PATRICIA THRASHER | PRESIDENT/TR Trustee or director, Officer | 60 | $19,615 |
| WILLIAM CARTER | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
| ERNIE LEROY | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 10 | $0 |
| ANDREW MCKENNA | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 5 | $0 |
| MARK SMITH | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 10 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- 2366 HICKORY HILL RD, OXFORD, PA 19363-4417
- In care of
- % PATRICIA R THRASHER-PRESIDENT
- Principal officer (990 for 2024)
- RICHARD GILLESPIE, 2366 HICKORY HILL ROAD, OXFORD, PA 19363
- Signed the 990
- RICHARD GILLESPIE, EXEC. DIRECTOR/SEC.
- Phone
- (610) 467-1937
- Website
- WWW.TIGHAR.ORG
- Return prepared by
- THOMPSON & ASSOCIATES P A
Mission
TO EDUCATE THE GENERAL PUBLIC, AND ESPECIALLY YOUNG PEOPLE, IN HOW TO USE THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD OF INQUIRY TO SOLVE PROBLEMS. THE ORGANIZATIONS EDUCATIONAL MISSION IS CARRIED OUT IN THE CONTEXT OF INVESTIGATING FAMOUS HISTORICAL AVIATION MYSTERIES. THE ORGANIZATIONS PROGRAM SERVICES DEMONSTRATE HOW TO CONDUCT PRIMARY SOURCE HISTORICAL RESEARCH, FORMULATE INFORMED HYPOTHESES, AND TEST THE HYPOTHESES THROUGH ARCHIVAL RESEARCH, ARCHAEOLOGY, AND FORENSIC DATA ANALYSIS. THE ORGANIZATION ALSO PROVIDES RESEARCH SERVICES AND GUIDANCE TO INDIVIDUAL COLLECTORS, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, AND MUSEUMS IN RESPONSIBLE AVIATION HISTORIC PRESERVATION.
Program accomplishments
- THE EARHART PROJECT - ONGOING INVESTIGATION (SINCE 1988) INTO THE 1937 DISAPPEARANCE OF PILOT AMELIA EARHART AND NAVIGATOR FREDERICK NOONAN. THE INVESTIGATION INCLUDES ARCHAEOLOGICAL SEARCH AND RECOVERY EXPEDITIONS, ARCHIVAL RESEARCH AND DATA ANALYSIS. TO DATE, THE PROJECT HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN ESTABLISHING, TO A GREATER THAN 99% DEGREE OF CERTAINTY, THAT THE MISSING FLYERS DIED ON THE UNINHABITED PACIFIC ISLAND OF NIKUMARORO. EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH INCLUDES PUBLICATION OF BOOKS, THE PUBLICATION OF SCIENTIFIC PAPERS AND ARTICLES IN THE ORGANIZATIONS JOURNAL TIGHAR TRACKS, POSTINGS AND VIDEO PRESENTATIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA DESCRIBING RESEARCH RESULTS AND METHODOLOGY. OPEN-SOURCE HISTORICAL RESEARCH VIA THE ORGANIZATIONS ON-LINE FORUM, IN-PERSON AND SKYPE PRESENTATIONS TO MIDDLE SCHOOL, HIGH SCHOOL AND UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE UNIVERSITY GROUPS, PRESENTATION TO CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS, AND ONE-ON-ONE ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS. THE ORGANIZATIONS FREE AND PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE WEBSITE INCLUDLES THE WORLDS LARGEST ARCHIVE OF PRIMARY SOURCE HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE EARHART DISAPPEARANCE.Expenses $34
- GLENN MILLER INVESTIGATION - ONGOING INVESTIGATION (SINCE 2017) INTO THE WARTIME DISAPPEARANCE OF ICONIC BAND LEADER MAJ. GLENN MILLER ABOARD A U. S. ARMY AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT IN 1944. THE INVESTIGATION INCLUDES ARCHIVAL RESEARCH, DATA ANALYSIS, AND MAY INCLUDE ARCHAELOGICAL SEARCH AND RECOVERY. TO DATE, THE PROJECT HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN ESTABLISHING THE DOCUMENTED CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE FATAL FLIGHT. EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH INCLUDES THE PUBLICATION OF SCIENTIFIC PAPERS AND ARTICLES IN THE ORGANIZATIONS JOURNAL TIGHAR TRACKS, POSTINGS ON SOCIAL MEDIA DESCRIBING THE RESEARCH RESULTS AND METHODOLOGY, AND OPEN-SOURCE HISTORICAL RESEARCH VIA THE ORGANIZATIONS WEBSITE.
- PROJECT MIDNIGHT GHOST - ONGOING INVESTIGATION (SINCE 1985) INTO THE DISAPPEARANCE OF FRENCH TRANSATLANTIC AVIATORS CHARLES NUNGESSER AND FRANCOIS COLI TEN DAYS BEFORE THE CHARLES LINDBERGHS 1927 FLIGHT FROM NEW YORK TO PARIS. THE INVESTIGATION INCLUDES ARCHAEOLOGICAL SEARCH AND RECOVERY EXPEDITIONS, ARCHIVAL RESEARCH AND DATA ANALYSIS. EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH INCLUDES THE PUBLICATION OF SCIENTIFIC PAPERS AND ARTICLES IN THE ORGANIZATIONS JOURNAL TIGHAR TRACKS, POSTINGS AND VIDEO PRESENTATIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA DESCRIBING RESEARCH RESULTS AND METHODOLOGY, OPEN-SOURCE HISTORICAL RESEARCH VIA THE ORGANIZATIONS ON-LINE FORUM. PRIMARY SOURCE HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE INVESTIGATION ARE PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE ON THE ORGANIZATIONS WEBSITE.Expenses $787 · revenue $25
- THE MAID OF HARLECH - ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION AND ON-GOING ADVOCACY FOR THE PROTECTION AND EVENTUAL RECOVERY OF A RARE 1942 LOCKHEED P-38 LIGHTNING AIRCRAFT DISCOVERED BURIED IN THE SAND OF HARLECH BEACH IN NORTH WALES, UK IN 2007. TO DATE, THE PROJECT HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN KEEPING THE AIRCRAFT SAFE FROM LOOTERS WHILE OFFICIAL UK LEGAL PROTECTION OF THE SITE IS IN PROCESS. EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH INCLUDES THE PUBLICATION OF ARTICLES IN THE ORGANIZATIONS JOURNAL TIGHAR TRACKS AND ON THE ORGANIZATIONS WEBSITE.Expenses $43,347
What it must file and when
IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in June, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 30, 2026 | November 16, 2026 | Not due yet |
| 2024 | June 30, 2025 | November 17, 2025 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | June 30, 2024 | November 15, 2024 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 51-0282621
- Tax-exempt status
- 501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
- Foundation status
- Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))
- Donations deductible (Pub 78)
- Public charity, 50% deduction limit
- Exempt since
- 1985
- Accounting year ends
- June
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $164,115
- Income (IRS master file)
- $208,476
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | June 2025 | $201,049 | $384,811 | $164,115 | IRS |
| 990 | June 2024 | $201,951 | $232,043 | $384,252 | XML |
| 990 | June 2023 | $251,382 | $259,425 | $396,546 | XML |
| 990 | June 2022 | $155,156 | $308,279 | $408,068 | IRS |
| 990 | June 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | June 2020 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | June 2019 | – | – | – | IRS |
990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 51-0282621).
Questions about THE INTERNATIONAL GROUP FOR HISTORIC AIRCRAFT RECOVERY
- What is the EIN of THE INTERNATIONAL GROUP FOR HISTORIC AIRCRAFT RECOVERY?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of THE INTERNATIONAL GROUP FOR HISTORIC AIRCRAFT RECOVERY is 51-0282621.
- Is THE INTERNATIONAL GROUP FOR HISTORIC AIRCRAFT RECOVERY tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1985.
- Are donations to THE INTERNATIONAL GROUP FOR HISTORIC AIRCRAFT RECOVERY tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does THE INTERNATIONAL GROUP FOR HISTORIC AIRCRAFT RECOVERY file?
- Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
- When is the next return of THE INTERNATIONAL GROUP FOR HISTORIC AIRCRAFT RECOVERY due?
- The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending June 30, 2026) is due November 16, 2026. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did THE INTERNATIONAL GROUP FOR HISTORIC AIRCRAFT RECOVERY last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended June 2025.
- Who is the principal officer of THE INTERNATIONAL GROUP FOR HISTORIC AIRCRAFT RECOVERY?
- The 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 names RICHARD GILLESPIE.
- Who are the officers and directors of THE INTERNATIONAL GROUP FOR HISTORIC AIRCRAFT RECOVERY?
- The 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 lists 6 people; 2 received compensation from the organization, the highest $131,561 (RICHARD GILLESPIE, EXEC. DIRECT).
- How much revenue does THE INTERNATIONAL GROUP FOR HISTORIC AIRCRAFT RECOVERY have?
- On its 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 it reported revenue of $201,049, expenses of $384,811 and total assets of $164,115 at year end.
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