(a) The Archives:
(1) shall collect public and private records and other information that relate to the history of the province and State of Maryland from the earliest times, including church records and newspapers;
(2) may edit and publish these records; and
(3) shall encourage research into the history of the State.
(b) Any records and materials that relate to the history of Maryland and are not needed for the operation of a unit belong to the Archives and shall be under the supervision of the State Archivist.