The History Museum of Burke County seeks to promote the collection, preservation, educational interpretation and display of those artifacts, documents, and events most representative of Burke County - its prehistory and history, its cultural and economic development, its people and institutions.

• As a History Museum, maintain appropriate facilities and locations for instructive programs and interpretive public exhibits of local history.

• As a Public Trust, provide cataloging and safe storage for private collections available for duplication, donation, permanent loan, or temporary loan.

• As a Public Service, encourage safe storage for current Burke County documents, relics, and materials found in homes, businesses, public departments and agencies.

• As a Preservation Society, prevent further destruction, removal, and loss of Burke County's heritage through education and training.

• As a Community Cultural Resource, provide public access to Burke County's heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.

• As a Learning Center, promote Burke County's history among public and private school students and educators, researchers and authors.

• As a Center for Research, encourage ongoing studies into events unique to Burke County and, when appropriate, related to North Carolina, the southeast United States, and the world.

• As a Promoter of Tourism, seek innovative ways to attract visitors into our county with historically relevant occasions, publications, and media productions.

• As a Public Agency, promote the highest ethical standards in achieving this mission and these goals within the community we serve.

--- adopted by Board of Directors May 20, 2003