Effective date: August 25, 2026
The Consequences of America is an educational and visual-history website. This policy explains what information the website collects, why it is used, and the choices available to visitors and registered users.
Information We Collect
When you create an account, we collect the username, email address, display name, account registration date, assigned account role, and confirmation that you are at least 13 years old. We record the date and time of that age confirmation, but we do not request an exact birthdate.
Passwords are processed through the WordPress authentication system and stored in protected, hashed form. The website does not display or store your password as readable text.
The website and its service providers may also process technical information such as an IP address, browser and device information, login activity, security events, cookies, and server logs. If you contact us, we may retain the information contained in your communication so that we can respond.
How We Use Information
Information is used to create and administer accounts, authenticate users, provide requested website functions, communicate about accounts or services, maintain website security, prevent fraud and abuse, diagnose technical problems, and comply with applicable legal obligations.
If optional project emails or newsletters are offered, they should be sent only in accordance with the preferences and choices presented to the recipient. Administrative or security messages may still be necessary for maintaining an account.
Children and Account Registration
The educational material on this website is intended for the general public. Account registration is limited to people who are at least 13 years old. Children under 13 should not create an account or submit personal information through the website.
If a parent or legal guardian believes that a child under 13 has provided personal information, please contact us at [email protected]. We will review the request and take appropriate steps to remove the information.
Cookies and Similar Technologies
The website uses essential cookies and related technologies for login sessions, account security, website operation, abuse prevention, and user preferences. Cloudflare and the hosting provider may use security cookies and technical data to protect and deliver the website. Analytics or other optional technologies may be used when enabled and should be described through any applicable consent or preference controls.
Service Providers and Disclosure
Information may be processed by service providers that help operate the website, including WordPress technology, Bluehost hosting and email services, Cloudflare security and content delivery services, and configured email-delivery tools. These providers process information according to their services, agreements, and privacy practices.
We do not sell personal information. Information may be disclosed when reasonably necessary to operate the website, protect users or the public, investigate abuse, enforce applicable terms, comply with law or valid legal process, or support a business transfer involving the website.
Reviewing and Updating Your Information
Registered users can sign in and visit the My Account page to review the account information maintained by the website. Users can update their display name through that page. Requests concerning incorrect information may also be sent to [email protected].
Deleting Your Account
Non-administrator users may permanently delete their own account from the My Account page by entering their current password and completing the confirmation. Account deletion is irreversible. Administrator accounts cannot be deleted through the public account page and require an authorized administrative process.
Deletion removes the active WordPress account and its stored profile information. Limited information may remain temporarily in security logs, legally required records, or backup systems until those records expire or backups are replaced under the applicable retention schedules.
Data Retention
Account information is generally retained while an account remains active. Technical, security, communication, and backup records may be retained for a reasonable period based on operational, security, legal, and service-provider requirements. Information that is no longer reasonably needed should be deleted or de-identified.
Security
We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards intended to protect personal information. No website, transmission method, or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Users should choose strong, unique passwords and protect their login credentials.
External Links
The website may link to museums, archives, government resources, historical organizations, publications, and other independent websites. Their privacy practices are governed by their own policies, not this policy.
Your Privacy Choices and Requests
Depending on where you live, applicable law may provide additional rights concerning access, correction, deletion, restriction, or objection to certain uses of personal information. Requests may be submitted to [email protected]. We may need to verify identity and may retain limited records of a request when required for security or legal purposes.
Changes to This Policy
This policy may be updated when website features, service providers, or legal requirements change. The effective date shown at the beginning of the policy will be revised when material updates are published.
Contact
For privacy questions, account-information requests, or concerns involving information submitted by a child under 13, contact: [email protected].
Collector, Museum and Educational Inquiries
Registered users may submit professional museum, fine-art collector, educational, academic, exhibition, institutional loan, reproduction, licensing, or other professional inquiries. An inquiry may include the registered display name, username, account email address, institution or museum name, professional title or department, optional telephone number, inquiry type, artwork or collection of interest, proposed dates and location, preferred contact method, and the inquiry message.
These submissions are stored as private WordPress records accessible only to authorized administrators and designated COA staff administrators. A copy is also emailed to [email protected] for review and response. Inquiry information is used only to evaluate, document, secure, and respond to the professional request, subject to applicable operational, legal, security, and retention requirements.