Privacy Policy
How we collect, use, and protect your information
Last Updated: January 13, 2026
Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites ("HBMS," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at historicbethlehem.org.
1. Information We Collect
Personal Information You Provide
We collect information you voluntarily provide when you:
- Purchase tickets, memberships, or merchandise
- Make a donation
- Create an account
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- Complete a contact form or volunteer application
- Register for events or programs
This information may include your name, email address, phone number, mailing address, and payment information.
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information, including:
- IP address and device identifiers
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Pages visited and time spent on pages
- Referring website or source
- Date and time of your visit
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Process transactions and send related information
- Fulfill membership benefits and services
- Send newsletters, updates, and promotional communications
- Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
- Improve our website and user experience
- Analyze website usage and trends
- Comply with legal obligations
- Prevent fraud and enhance security
3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us:
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Understand how you use our website
- Improve website performance and functionality
- Provide personalized content and recommendations
You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit certain features of our website.
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: We may share information with vendors who perform services on our behalf, such as payment processing, email delivery, and website hosting.
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose information when required by law or to protect our rights, safety, or property.
- Business Transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition, your information may be transferred as part of the transaction.
- With Your Consent: We may share information with your consent or at your direction.
5. Payment Processing
We use Shopify to process payments for tickets, memberships, donations, and merchandise. When you make a purchase, your payment information is transmitted directly to Shopify and is not stored on our servers. Shopify's use of your information is governed by their own privacy policy.
6. Data Security
We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:
- SSL encryption for data transmission
- Secure hosting infrastructure
- Access controls and authentication
- Regular security assessments
However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Your Rights and Choices
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions.
- Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link in our emails.
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.
8. Children's Privacy
Our website is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can delete it.
9. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the website after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:
Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites
74 West Broad Street, Suite 310
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Phone: (610) 882-0450
For more information about how we handle your data, please also review our Terms of Use.