West Virginia § 29-1-7 - 29-1-7. Museums section; director.

§ 29-1-7. 29-1-7. Museums section; director.

(a) The purposes and duties of the museums section are to locate, survey, investigate, register, identify, excavate, preserve, protect, restore and recommend to the secretary for acquisition historic objects worthy of preservation, relating to the State of West Virginia and the territory included therein from the earliest times to the present, upon its own initiative or in cooperation with any private or public society, organization or agency; to conduct a continuing survey and study throughout the state to develop a state plan to determine the needs and priorities for the preservation, restoration or development of such objects; to direct, protect, excavate, preserve, study or develop such objects; to preserve and protect all battle or regimental flags borne by West Virginians and other memorabilia of historic interest; to operate and maintain a state museum, and to coordinate activities with other museums in the state; and to perform such other duties as may be assigned to the section by the secretary.

(b) With the advice and consent of the secretary, in addition to the duties above set forth, the section shall determine the whereabouts of and require the return of furnishings and objects missing from the capitol building and other state-owned or controlled buildings, including, but not limited to, furnishings chosen or purchased for the capitol by its architect, Cass Gilbert. No furnishings from the capitol may be sold or disposed of except pursuant to the provisions of §5A-3-1 et seq . of this code. If furnishings originally designated as capitol building furnishings have been sold or otherwise disposed of without the requisite sale procedures, such furnishings shall be returned to the capitol and, upon presentation of proof of the amount paid, the current owner shall be reimbursed for the cost of the furnishing less any appropriate depreciation or wear and tear.

(c) The secretary shall appoint a director of the museums section, who shall be qualified, with relevant experience.

(d) With the approval of the secretary, the director shall establish professional positions within the section and develop appropriate organizational structures to carry out the duties of the section. The director shall employ the personnel with applicable professional qualifications to fill positions within the organizational structure and section. At the minimum, the following professions shall be represented within the section staff: Curator and such technical and clerical positions as are required: Provided , That nothing in this subsection shall prevent a qualified person from serving in multiple professions within this section or any section listed in §29-1-1(b) of this code.

(e) The director shall promulgate rules with the approval of the secretary and in accordance with §29A-3-1 et seq . of this code concerning: (1) The professional policies and functions of the museums section; and (2) such other rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary to effectuate the purposes of this section.