27 M.R.S. §372: Legislative intent

1. Transference of custody. The several departments of the State are authorized to transfer any archaeological objects, materials or specimens in their possession to the custody and trusteeship of the State Museum.

2. Museum responsibility. The State designates the State Museum to hold title, as trustee for the State, to all archaeological objects, materials and specimens found on, in or beneath state-controlled lands. The State charges the State Museum with the responsibility of protecting, preserving and interpreting such objects, materials and specimens as may be placed under its trusteeship; preventing their defacement, damage, destruction or unauthorized removal; and ensuring their continued availability for scientific study by qualified persons, agencies or institutions.

3. Consultation with federally recognized Indian tribes. In recognition of the interests of the federally recognized Indian tribes in this State in their archaeological heritage and in accordance with the requirements of federal law, including the National Historic Preservation Act of 1996, as amended, and the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, the Maine Historic Preservation Commission and the State Museum shall consult with federally recognized Indian tribes in this State concerning adequate and appropriate curation of archaeological materials excavated from protected sites.