Effective Date: July 28, 2026
Last Updated: July 28, 2026
The Clay Family Society (“CFS,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting personal information collected through our website. This Privacy Policy applies only to information collected through the Clay Family Society WordPress website and explains how we collect, use, store, and protect that information.
This policy does not govern third-party platforms linked to or integrated with our website, including membership payment processors, genealogy databases, or DNA testing services, which maintain their own independent privacy policies.
1. Scope of This Policy
This Privacy Policy applies solely to:
- The Clay Family Society WordPress website
- Pages, forms, and member-restricted content hosted on that site
- Communications and data managed directly through WordPress and its installed plugins
This policy does not apply to:
- Online donations or membership payments processed by third-party providers
- Genealogical databases hosted outside WordPress
- DNA testing or genetic data services
- External websites linked from our pages
Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of those services separately.
2. Information We Collect
Through the WordPress website, we may collect the following categories of information:
a. Information You Voluntarily Provide
- Name
- Email address
- Username and password (for member access)
- Information submitted through contact or membership inquiry forms
- Content you submit in comments or member-only areas (if enabled)
b. Automatically Collected Information
- IP address
- Browser type and operating system
- Date and time of site access
- Pages viewed and referring URLs
This information is collected using standard WordPress functionality and security, analytics, or caching plugins.
3. How We Use Your Information
Information collected through the WordPress site is used to:
- Manage user accounts and member access
- Respond to inquiries and communications
- Deliver member-only content
- Maintain website security and prevent misuse
- Improve site performance and usability
- Comply with legal, regulatory, or organizational obligations
We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information collected through the WordPress site.
4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
The WordPress site may use cookies or similar technologies to:
- Maintain login sessions
- Enable core site functionality
- Improve user experience
- Collect anonymized usage statistics
You may disable cookies through your browser settings, though some site features may not function properly as a result.
5. Data Sharing and Third-Party Services
CFS limits data sharing to what is operationally necessary.
Information collected on the WordPress site may be shared:
- With hosting providers and service vendors strictly for site operation and security
- When required by law or legal process
- To protect the rights, safety, or property of CFS or its members
We do not knowingly share WordPress-collected personal data with third-party genealogy or DNA platforms unless you explicitly choose to engage with those services.
6. Data Security
We take reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to protect personal information, including:
- Secure hosting
- Software updates and security plugins
- Access controls for administrative users
- Encrypted connections where supported
No internet system is completely secure; however, we strive to use best practices appropriate to a nonprofit historical society.
7. Data Retention
Personal information collected through WordPress is retained only as long as necessary to:
- Fulfill the purposes described in this policy
- Maintain historical records consistent with the Society’s mission
- Meet legal or operational requirements
User accounts may be deactivated or deleted upon request, subject to record-keeping obligations.
8. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:
- Access personal information we hold about you
- Request correction or deletion of your information
- Withdraw consent where applicable
Requests may be submitted using the contact information below. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe.
9. Children’s Privacy
The Clay Family Society website is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If such information is discovered, it will be deleted promptly.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the website after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
11. Contact Information
For questions or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact:
Clay Family Society
admin@clayfamilysociety.org