It is the goal of the Timber Lake and Area Historical Society to preserve the history of the Timber Lake area and the cultures of its people. It will be the goal of the museum to collect items of scientific, historic, or cultural significance and interpret them. By operating this museum the Historical Society assumes custodianship of these items and the public trust of this responsibility.

It shall be the job of the Historical Society to collect, catalog, clean, repair, care for and, when appropriate, display for the general public those items which best tell the story of this part of South Dakota.

An important goal of the museum will be to provide a meaningful educational experience for those who visit the facility. In this regard it will be necessary to both exhibit and interpret the collections.

Administration: The Board of Directors of the Timber Lake and Area Historical Society will name a museum director and Advisory Committees comprised of members of the Board of Directors of the Historical Society, other interested members of the Historical Society and persons with special interests or qualifications.

It shall be the duty of the members present at any regular meeting of the organization to give final approval on any acquisitions by the museum. It shall also be the duty of the Board of Directors to draft fiscal policies for operation of the museum including an annual budget and salaries.

The Director: The museum director will supervise the volunteers and the day to day operation of the museum. He/she will be responsible for all record keeping and cataloging and the preservation and interpretation of the collections.

The Volunteers: Volunteers are the backbone and lifeline of this organization and this museum. They will keep the doors open and help out with all the work associated with the operation of the museum. Often they will be the ones who meet the public and assist in the educational role of the museum.

Collection Policy: The Timber Lake and Area Historical Society is interested in collecting items which depict the history and cultures of this area, including Timber Lake, Dewey County, Corson Corson County and the Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Reservations and Western South Dakota. First priority shall be given to completing the permanent collections owned by the Historical Society. The museum will accept only that which can be effectively cared for.

Families and individuals who give items to the museum will be given credit for their gifts in the display and in the permanent records of the museum.

The title to all property of the museum is held in the name of the Timber Lake and Area Historical Society, unless otherwise specified. No items will be taken on loan except in the case of temporary or special exhibits.

Admission: FREE (Free will donations welcome).