ISM inspires the exploration of Illinois' past and present to inform and enrich everyday life and promote stewardship of cultural and natural resources. The Illinois State Museum inspires exploration of Illinois’ past and present. To work with the Illinois State Museum to promote its educational programs, exhibits, and welfare. To offer an opportunity for those persons and organizations interested in fostering educational efforts in anthropology, arts, botany, geology, history, paleontology, zoology, and stewardship of Illinois cultural and natural history. To promote research in the fields appropriate to the ISM such as anthropology, arts, botany, geology, history, paleontology, and zoology.