To increase knowledge of, and promote interest in, all subjects dealing with american history, relative to and encompassing yaphank and the surrounding areas, as it is known today. to promote and encourage historical research and to disseminate knowledge; to collect and preserve letters, manuscripts, maps, paintings, books, newspapers, and other documents, relics and antiquities of every kind. to discover, procure and preserve material of all kinds which illustrates american history and to engage in kindred purposes of a lawful nature. to encourage and aid in the preservation of historical buildings and landmarks.