Our Privacy Policy
Effective May 1, 2025
 

1. Our Commitment to Privacy

The St. Louis County Historical Society ("SLCHS," "we," "us," or "our"), located in Duluth, Minnesota, is committed to protecting the privacy and security of visitors to our website (thehistorypeople.org). This Privacy Policy explains the types of information we collect from users of our website, how we use that information, how we protect it, and your rights regarding your information.

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By using our website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

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2. Information We Collect

We collect information to operate effectively and provide you with the best experiences on our website. We collect information in the following ways:

• Information You Provide Directly:

  • Contact Information: Name, email address, postal address, phone number when you sign up for newsletters, become a member, donate, register for events, purchase items from our shop, volunteer, submit inquiries via contact forms, or request research assistance.

  • Membership/Donation Information: Details related to your membership status or donation history.

  • Payment Information: Credit card numbers, bank account details, or other payment details when you donate, purchase a membership, or buy items from our online shop. This information is typically processed securely by third-party payment processors (see Section 4).

  • Event Registration Information: Information required to register you for SLCHS events or programs.

  • Correspondence: Records and copies of your correspondence (including email addresses) if you contact us.

• Information Collected Automatically:

  • Log Data: When you visit our website, our servers automatically record information that your browser sends. This may include your computer's Internet Protocol (IP) address, browser type and version, operating system, the pages you visit on our site, the time and date of your visit, the time spent on those pages, and other statistics.

  • Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies (small text files placed on your device) and similar technologies (like web beacons) to help operate the site, remember your preferences, analyze how users use the site, and provide relevant information. You can control cookies through your browser settings (see Section 7).

  • Analytics Data: We may use third-party analytics services (like Google Analytics) to collect, monitor, and analyze website usage data to understand visitor behavior and improve our website.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

• Providing Services: To process memberships, donations, event registrations, shop orders, and research requests.

• Communication: To respond to your inquiries, send newsletters and email updates you have subscribed to, provide information about events, programs, and exhibits, and communicate important notices.

• Website Improvement: To understand how our website is used, monitor and analyze trends, usage, and activities, and improve website functionality, content, and user experience.

• Fundraising and Outreach: To solicit support for the Society, inform you about giving opportunities, and acknowledge contributions (you may opt-out of fundraising communications).

• Administrative Purposes: For internal record-keeping, financial reporting, and managing our operations.

• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, legal processes, or governmental requests.

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

SLCHS respects your privacy. We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

• Third-Party Service Providers: We may share information with trusted third-party vendors, consultants, and other service providers who need access to such information to carry out work on our behalf. This includes payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal), email marketing services (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact), website hosting providers, and analytics providers. These providers are obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes for which it was disclosed.

• Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to comply with a legal obligation, protect and defend the rights or property of SLCHS, prevent fraud, act in urgent circumstances to protect the personal safety of users or the public, or protect against legal liability.

• With Your Consent: We may share information for other purposes with your explicit consent.

5. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical security measures designed to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, alteration, or disclosure. We use technologies like Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption for transmitting sensitive information like payment details.

However, please be aware that no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We will retain your personal information only for as long as is necessary for the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy, or as required by applicable laws (e.g., for tax or accounting purposes), or to resolve disputes.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience, analyze site traffic, and for functionality. You have the option to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. Please note that disabling cookies may prevent you from taking full advantage of the website.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to other websites not operated or controlled by SLCHS. This Privacy Policy does not apply to third-party websites. We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

9. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without verification of parental consent, we will take steps to remove that information from our servers.

10. Your Rights and Choices

You have certain rights regarding your personal information, subject to local data protection laws. Depending on the applicable laws these rights may include:

• Access: You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.

• Correction: You can request that we correct any inaccurate or incomplete personal information.

• Deletion: You can request that we delete your personal information, subject to certain exceptions (e.g., legal requirements).

• Opt-Out: You can opt-out of receiving promotional communications (like newsletters or fundraising appeals) from us by following the unsubscribe instructions in those communications or by contacting us directly.

• Cookie Preferences: You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section

11. We will respond to your request in accordance with applicable laws.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or relevant laws. When we make changes, we will post the updated policy on this page and revise the "Effective Date" at the top. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information. Your continued use of the website after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Privacy Policy.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

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St. Louis County Historical Society

506 West Michigan Street

Duluth, MN 55802

Email: history@thehistorypeople.org

Phone: (218) 733-7580