(a) The purposes and duties of the museums section are to locate, survey, investigate, register, identify, excavate, preserve, protect, restore and recommend to the commissioner 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 commissioner.

(b) With the advice and consent of the archives and history commission, 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 article three, chapter five-a 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) With the advice and consent of the archives and history commission, the commissioner shall appoint a director of the museums section, who shall have: (1) A graduate degree in one of the social sciences, or equivalent training and experience in the field of West Virginia history, history, archaeology, or in museum administration; and (2) three years' experience in administration in the field of West Virginia history, history, archaeology, or in museum management.

(d) With the approval of the commissioner, 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. At the minimum, the following professions shall be represented within the section staff: Curator and such technical and clerical positions as are required. With the approval of the commissioner, the director shall establish professional positions within the section. The director shall employ the personnel within these professional positions for the section.

(e) The director shall promulgate rules and regulations with the approval of the archives and history commission and in accordance with chapter twenty-nine-a 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.