The Rye Museum Association (charity number 1057421) operates under a Memorandum and Articles of Association. The original governing document was incorporated on July 17, 1996, and later amended by a resolution on July 10, 1997.

The legal constitution establishes the Association as a private limited company (Company Number 03226143) and outlines its charitable objects, which include:

Preserving and Displaying:

Conserving and displaying artifacts and documents relating to the history of Rye.

Site Operations:

Operating accredited museums in the town (Rye Castle & Prison (Ypres Tower) and East Street Museum).

Public Education:

Delivering an educational program for children and adults.