Minnesota § 138.37 - OWNERSHIP, CUSTODY AND USE OF OBJECTS AND DATA
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 138.37 — OWNERSHIP, CUSTODY AND USE OF OBJECTS AND DATA, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 138.37. OWNERSHIP, CUSTODY AND USE OF OBJECTS AND DATA
Subdivision 1.Title to objects and data.
The state reserves to itself the title to all objects found and data gathered in field archaeology, except as provided in subdivisions 2 and 3. Although a license may name a custodian other than the state archaeologist, title to the objects and data nevertheless is reserved to the state, and physical possession of them reverts to the state if the custodian named ceases to exist, or if the state archaeologist finds that the custodian is not properly caring for them or keeping them conveniently available for study by students of archaeology.
Subd. 2.Field archaeology on behalf of nonresident schools and scientific institutions.
The director of the Minnesota Historical Society, with the approval of the state archaeologist, may agree for the state with an agency of another state, or with a school or scientific institution of another state, to permit qualified persons acting for the nonresident agency, school, or institution to be licensed to engage in field archaeology in this state. Under such an agreement, the director of the historical society and the state archaeologist shall, at the time the license is issued, determine the disposition of the objects found.
Subd. 3.Disposal of and acquisition of objects.
If the best interests of this state are deemed served thereby, the state archaeologist, with the approval of the director of the historical society, may barter one or more objects belonging to this state for one or more objects belonging to another state, a private person, or any school, scientific institution, or other body having title thereto; and the state archaeologist, with the approval of the director of the historical society, may dispose of one or more objects belonging to this state. The state archaeologist and director of the Minnesota Historical Society may accept on behalf of the state any gift of an object, of data, or of any deed to a privately owned site if they deem the gift valuable to the state under the provisions of sections 138.31 to 138.42; they may also accept any gift of money to be used for one or more of the purposes covered by sections 138.31 to 138.42, but shall be held strictly accountable to the state for the use made of any such gift of money.
History:
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 138.37
What does Minnesota Statutes § 138.37 cover?
Section 138.37 ("OWNERSHIP, CUSTODY AND USE OF OBJECTS AND DATA") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 138.37?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 138.37" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 138.37 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.