The Legislature declares it is the policy of the State that in order to further the cultural and educational interests of the people of the State, to present through the use of its collections and activities the proud heritage and unique historical background, and to preserve and exhibit the environmental and cultural richness of the State, there is established the Maine State Museum. [PL 1965, c. 502, §1 (NEW).]

The Legislature further declares its expectation that the Maine State Museum will follow professional museum, scientific and artifact conservation standards to assemble and protect its tangible collections and intellectual assets held in public trust. [PL 2011, c. 152, §1 (NEW).]

A general diffusion of the advantages of education being essential to promoting the common welfare, the Legislature recognizes these tangible collections and intellectual assets as educational resources essential to the Maine State Museum’s mission and public trust responsibilities. [PL 2011, c. 152, §1 (NEW).]