(a) The Department may acquire by gift, devise, purchase or otherwise, absolutely or in trust, and hold and, unless otherwise restricted by the terms of the gift or devise, encumber, convey or otherwise dispose of any real property or of any estate or interest therein as may be necessary in carrying into effect the purposes of this subchapter.
(b) The Department may enter into contracts and execute all instruments necessary to fulfill its duties respecting the protection, preservation, maintenance or operation of such historic buildings, sites, objects or archaeological resources it may select.