Privacy Policy
Your Privacy Matters to Us
At the Tri-River Historical Museum Network, we take your privacy seriously. Protecting your personal information and ensuring transparency about how we collect, use, and store data is a top priority. We are committed to creating a safe, secure, and trustworthy environment for all visitors, members, volunteers, donors, and users of our digital platforms. This Privacy Policy explains our practices in clear, accessible language so that you understand exactly how your information is handled.
Information We Collect
Understanding the Data We Gather
We collect information that helps us provide educational programs, exhibits, events, and services tailored to our community. This may include:
Personal Information: This includes your name, email address, phone number, mailing address, and other contact information that you provide when registering for programs, signing up for newsletters, or making donations.
Payment Information: When making donations, membership payments, or event purchases, we collect necessary financial details such as credit or debit card information. These details are handled securely and never stored longer than necessary for processing transactions.
Demographic Information: To better understand our community and improve programs, we may collect optional demographic information such as age ranges, educational interests, or affiliation with schools or organizations.
Digital Information: When you visit our website, we may collect information automatically, including IP addresses, browser type, operating system, pages visited, and browsing behavior. This information helps us enhance website functionality and improve user experience.
Volunteer and Employment Information: Individuals applying to volunteer or work with us may provide resumes, cover letters, professional references, and other related personal information for the purpose of evaluation and placement.
How We Use Your Information
Purposeful and Transparent Use
Your information is used to provide services, improve programs, and communicate effectively with our community. Specific uses include:
- Processing donations, memberships, program registrations, and event bookings.
- Sending newsletters, program updates, event invitations, and organizational announcements.
- Responding to inquiries, questions, or feedback submitted via email, phone, or contact forms.
- Administering volunteer applications, internships, or employment applications.
- Analyzing website usage to enhance digital experience, functionality, and accessibility.
- Customizing educational content and program offerings to meet the needs of our audience.
- Ensuring safety and compliance during onsite visits, events, or tours.
We will never sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. Your information is used solely to support the mission and programs of the Tri-River Historical Museum Network.
Information Sharing
Who We Share Your Information With
We respect your privacy and share personal information only when necessary or required by law. Information may be shared with:
- Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist with website hosting, payment processing, email communications, and software services. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide.
- Educational Partners: Schools, libraries, and organizations collaborating on programs or field trips may receive limited information relevant to program participation.
- Legal Authorities: In compliance with legal obligations, we may disclose information if required by law, subpoena, or to protect the rights, safety, or property of the network or its community members.
At no time will your personal information be sold or publicly shared without your explicit consent.
Cookies and Digital Tracking
Understanding How We Track Website Activity
Our website may use cookies, tracking pixels, and other digital technologies to enhance user experience. These tools help us understand website usage, improve navigation, and provide personalized content.
Types of Cookies:
- Necessary Cookies: Required for basic website functions such as page navigation and secure access to certain features.
- Performance and Analytics Cookies: Collect information about website traffic, visitor behavior, and page performance to help us improve the site.
- Optional Cookies: May include preferences or functionality enhancements such as remembering login information or user-selected settings.
You may disable cookies in your browser settings; however, doing so may limit certain website features.
Data Retention
How Long We Keep Your Information
We retain your information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, or as required by law.
- Personal information collected for program registration or donations is retained for record-keeping and reporting purposes.
- Volunteer and employment records are retained according to organizational policies and legal requirements.
- Digital information and analytics may be stored for statistical analysis to improve website performance and user experience.
Once data is no longer needed, we ensure it is securely deleted or anonymized.
Your Privacy Rights
Empowering You to Control Your Data
We respect your rights regarding personal information and offer the following options:
- Access and Correction: You may request access to the personal information we hold about you and ask us to correct inaccuracies.
- Opt-Out of Communications: You may unsubscribe from newsletters, marketing emails, or program updates at any time.
- Data Deletion: Where legally permissible, you may request the deletion of your personal data from our systems.
- Cookie Preferences: Adjust browser or website settings to manage cookie usage and tracking preferences.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact our privacy team at info@trhmn.lat.
Protecting Your Information
How We Keep Data Secure
We implement industry-standard physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Our measures include:
- Secure servers and encrypted communications for online transactions.
- Restricted access to personal data, limited to authorized staff and service providers.
- Regular security audits and staff training on data protection best practices.
- Policies for safely storing, transmitting, and disposing of sensitive information.
While we strive to protect all data, please understand that no system can guarantee complete security.
Children’s Privacy
Protecting Young Visitors
The Tri-River Historical Museum Network is committed to protecting the privacy of children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. Programs designed for children may require parent or guardian involvement for registration and participation.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor children’s online activity and participation in digital programs. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child without consent, we will take prompt steps to remove it.
Third-Party Links and Resources
Navigating External Sites Safely
Our website or communications may include links to third-party sites. These sites are independent of the Tri-River Historical Museum Network, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage visitors to review privacy policies and terms of use for any external websites they access.
Donations and Financial Information
Safe and Secure Contributions
When making donations, we use secure payment processing platforms to protect your financial information. Credit card details and banking information are not stored on our servers. Receipts and records of donations are kept securely for tax reporting purposes and organizational accountability.
Donors may choose to remain anonymous or opt-out of marketing communications while still receiving acknowledgment for their contribution.
Communication Preferences
Your Voice, Your Choice
We respect your communication preferences and provide options to customize how you receive updates and information from us. Whether you prefer email, phone, or postal mail, you can manage subscriptions and preferences at any time. We never share your communication preferences with external parties without consent.
How We Handle Changes to This Policy
Transparency and Updates
The Tri-River Historical Museum Network may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements, operational practices, or digital services. When updates occur, the revised policy will be posted on our website with the date of revision.
We encourage visitors, donors, and community members to review the Privacy Policy regularly to stay informed about how their information is protected and used. Continued use of our website, programs, or services after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
Questions or Concerns
We’re Here to Help
If you have questions, concerns, or need assistance regarding your personal information, please contact our Privacy Officer at:
Email: info@trhmn.lat
Address: 7266 Rix St SE, Ada, MI 49301
We pledge to respond to inquiries promptly, investigate concerns thoroughly, and provide clear guidance on your privacy rights.
Commitment to Community Trust
Your Confidence Matters
At the Tri-River Historical Museum Network, trust is the foundation of our relationship with visitors, members, volunteers, and donors. We are dedicated to protecting your personal information, respecting your privacy choices, and providing a safe and secure environment. By clearly outlining our practices, we hope to empower our community to engage confidently with our programs, exhibits, and services.
We are committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in how we handle information. Every effort is made to maintain the highest standards of privacy and security while delivering meaningful educational experiences and fostering connections across the Tri-River region.