Privacy Policy of Scudder History Association

Effective Date: May 15, 2026

Scudder History Association (“Association,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) values the privacy of our members, applicants, donors, volunteers, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share personal information obtained through our website, membership applications, donations, genealogy submissions, event registrations, and related services.

Our mission is to preserve, document, and share the history, genealogy, and heritage of the Scudder family and related family lines. We are committed to handling personal information responsibly and respectfully.

Information We Collect

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including:

  • Name
  • Mailing address
  • Email address
  • Telephone number
  • Membership application information
  • Donation information
  • Payment details related to the one-time $50 membership application fee (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
  • Event registration information
  • Volunteer participation information
  • Family history submissions
  • Genealogical records, lineage information, and family tree details you choose to share
  • Historical photographs, records, letters, oral histories, and related materials submitted for archival or educational purposes

We may also automatically collect limited technical information, including:

  • IP address
  • Browser type
  • Device type
  • Website usage statistics
  • Cookies and similar technologies

How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

  • Process membership applications
  • Collect the one-time application fee
  • Maintain membership records
  • Process donations
  • Register members for events or educational programs
  • Send newsletters, announcements, and association updates
  • Respond to inquiries
  • Coordinate volunteer opportunities
  • Preserve genealogical and historical records
  • Improve our website and member services
  • Meet legal and nonprofit reporting requirements

We do not sell, rent, or lease personal information to third parties.

Family History and Genealogical Materials

As part of our mission, members and contributors may voluntarily submit:

  • Family trees
  • Genealogical research
  • Historical records
  • Family stories and biographies
  • Letters and documents
  • Photographs
  • Oral histories
  • Lineage documentation

Submitted materials may be:

  • archived by the Association;
  • preserved for historical purposes;
  • used in educational materials, newsletters, publications, exhibits, or website content;
  • made available for family history research when appropriate.

We will make reasonable efforts to protect sensitive personal information concerning living individuals and may redact private details when necessary.

By submitting genealogical or historical materials, contributors confirm they have the right to share the materials and grant the Association permission to preserve and use them consistent with our mission.

Donations and Payment Information

The Association is nonprofit and donation supported. Financial contributions help support:

  • preservation of historical records
  • archival storage
  • educational programming
  • publications
  • website operations
  • family history research initiatives

Payment transactions, including the $50 application fee and donations, will be processed by secure third-party payment providers. We do not store credit card numbers on our servers.

Email Communications

We may send:

  • donation or membership confirmations
  • application updates
  • newsletters
  • family history announcements
  • event notices
  • fundraising communications
  • important administrative notices

You may opt out of non-essential communications at any time.

Sharing of Information

We may share information only:

  • with service providers who assist with website hosting, payment processing, email delivery, or event registration;
  • when required by law;
  • to protect the rights or property of the Association;
  • with your consent.

Third-party service providers are expected to maintain confidentiality.

Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies and similar tools to:

  • improve website performance
  • remember visitor preferences
  • understand website traffic patterns
  • improve member services

You may disable cookies through your browser settings.

Children’s Privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under age 13 without appropriate parental consent. We do encourage youth activities with parent participation on our Youth pages so that they can start learning about family history of the Scudder family ancestors.

Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

However, no electronic transmission or storage system can be guaranteed completely secure.

Links to Other Websites

Our website may include links to archives, libraries, genealogical databases, museums, and partner organizations. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of outside websites.

Policy Updates

We may revise this Privacy Policy periodically. Updated versions will be posted on our website with the effective date.

Contact Information

Scudder History Association
info@scudder.org

Scudder.org