Interpretation must accurately reflect the cultural context of the subject matter. No interpretation shall use collections in a consumptive manner except as categorically delineated and specifically allowed within the collections policy. The primary responsibility for governance, institutional policies, financial stability, and legal accountability of a historical organization rests with the governing authority. Operational responsibility rests with the staff. Individuals employed in the practice of history deserve respect, pay, and benefits commensurate to their training, dedication and contribution to society.
Volunteers deserve the same consideration as their paid colleagues.
All institutions must have a personnel policy, adopted by the governing authority, which is distributed to all staff, documenting the terms of employment. All institutions have the responsibility to engage personnel, including volunteers, who have appropriate training and expertise and to proved them with opportunities for additional training necessary to continue to meet their responsibilities. If the governing authority employs an administrator, that person alone is responsible for the employment, discipline, and release of all other staff, subject to established personnel policies. All historical institutions shall maintain financial records from which accurate information can be generated to manage the organization in a fiscally sound manner as a matter of public trust. All governing authority members, administrators, volunteers, and staff members shall avoid carefully the reality and the appearance of using their positions or the information and access gained from their positions for personal gain.