In addition to the other duties imposed upon it by law, the State Historical Society Board of Trustees shall collect, preserve, exhibit, and publish material for the study of history, especially the history of South Dakota and the upper great plains, and to this end explore the archaeology of the region; acquire documents and manuscripts; obtain narratives and records of pioneers; conduct a library of historical reference; maintain an ethnological and historical museum; survey, document, and promote the preservation of historic properties and sites; examine the culture and history of American Indians and other ethnic groups; publish and otherwise diffuse information relating to the history of the region; and generally encourage and develop within the state the study of history.
SDCL 1-18B-2