The director of the state historical society shall maintain and operate the state historical museum located at or near the city of Pembina, in the county of Pembina, and shall have custody of and preserve in the museum at Pembina, for the people of the state of North Dakota, objects of primitive Indian art and other articles of historical value to the state which are acquired for that purpose. The state historical society may accept gifts, donations, or contributions to be used or expended in the maintenance and operation of the historical museum and may transfer the operation of the museum to the city of Pembina upon such terms and conditions as the state historical board may require. The Chateau de Mores at Medora must be maintained and operated as a historic house museum under the direction of the state historical society.