To promote the collection and preservation of matters of historic value with special emphasis on the Greater New York area; to help the existing Division of Archives of the City of New York, or its successor in interest to reclaim all records of the City of New York and the various villages and towns within Greater New York wherever they may now be found; to rescue all ancient documents dealing with the life in this region (which are now suffering from deterioration and are in danger of destruction); to resurrect all artifacts or memorabilia dealing with the life of the American Indian as it existed in the Greater New York region prior to European settlement; to aid established institutions which provide access to students, visitors, and scholars who may wish to learn about the history and background of New York.