The museum of natural history at The University of Connecticut shall be the State Museum of Natural History. The museum shall (1) acquire, collect, preserve, research and interpret living, extinct and fossil organisms, anthropological and archaeological specimens, rocks and minerals, with preference to those native to this state; (2) preserve related scientific equipment, instruments and data; and (3) prepare public exhibits at the museum and educational exhibits and programs that may be used by colleges, universities, schools, libraries, institutions, appropriate state agencies or other public organizations. There shall be an Office of Archaeology at the museum. The museum shall be within The University of Connecticut.