It is the goal of the Timber Lake and Area Historical Society to preserve for public benefit the natural history and cultural, historical and artistic heritage of the Timber Lake area. In keeping with this goal the historical society has chosen to operate a museum now referred to as the Timber Lake and Area Museum. The scope of this museum must follow and be limited by the above goal and those set out in the following paragraphs. The management of this museum is completely under the authority of the Timber Lake and Area Historical Society. (See management plan currently in effect.)

By operating a museum the organization has the responsibility to collect and exhibit items worthy of preservation. These items are to be held in trust for the benefit of present and future citizens.

In discharging its duties the historical society should strive to increase the understanding and appreciation of the varied cultural heritages represented in this area of the state.

The museum shall use acceptable conservation practices to preserve the collection for purposes of public education and enjoyment now and into the future.

It shall be a goal of the historical society to showcase items from the collection in an accurate and sensitive way that will be of value to local visitors and the traveling public.

The Timber Lake and Area Historical Society places a special emphasis on the collection of archival material including photographs which have meaning to this part of South Dakota and the families who lived here or continue to live here.This archival work shall be carried out in cooperation with Timber Lake & Area Historical Society Resource Center.

The museum shall also adopt and use an effective record keeping system that will safeguard the collection and allow proper recognition of all donors. Documentation of the collection shall be a continuing goal of the entire historical society. Whenever an item is accessioned every effort will be taken to gather written evidence of its use and origin.

It shall be the duty of the general membership present to determine what is and what is not accessioned based on the above guidelines. It shall also be the job of the collections committee to recomend goals and priorities for expanding or improving the collection. These goals and priorities will be worked out in cooperation with the Museum Manager and Board of Directors.

The historical society and the museum shall work to advance the well-being of the community it serves, represents and depends on for support.

To accomplish these goals the museum must carefully limit its permanent collection to items of local interest and origin. Long term loans shall be avoided. Short term loans can be utilized and are encouraged in the case of specific temporary exhibits.