Privacy Policy
OpenSFHistory is a San Francisco historical photo archive. We collect only the information necessary to operate the site and fulfill image use requests. We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.
What we collect
Contact form. When you submit the contact form, we collect your name, email address, selected subject, and message. This information is stored in our database so we can read and respond to your inquiry.
Newsletter signup. When you subscribe to our newsletter, your email address is sent to Mailchimp, our email service provider, which manages the mailing list. Mailchimp's use of your data is governed by Mailchimp's privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in any newsletter email.
Image use requests. When you request images through our checkout system, we collect your name and email address. Payment is processed entirely by Stripe — we do not collect or store credit card numbers, bank account details, or other financial information. Stripe's transaction confirmation data is stored in our database to maintain order records. Stripe's handling of your payment information is governed by Stripe's privacy policy.
Cart data. Items you add to the image use cart are stored in your browser session. This data is not associated with any personal identifier and is cleared when your session expires or when you complete checkout.
How we use your data
We use the information we collect to:
- Respond to your contact form submissions
- Send newsletters you have opted into
- Process and fulfill image use requests
- Maintain order records and provide download access for purchased images
Data retention
Contact submissions and image use request records are retained indefinitely as part of our operational records. Newsletter subscriptions are managed through Mailchimp and persist until you unsubscribe. Session data expires automatically after two hours of inactivity.
Your rights
You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal data by contacting us through the site's contact form. Newsletter subscribers can unsubscribe at any time via the link in any email.
Cookie Policy
OpenSFHistory uses a minimal set of cookies required for the site to function. We do not use analytics cookies, advertising cookies, or third-party tracking of any kind.
Cookies we set
Session cookie. A single session cookie identifies your browsing session. This cookie is required for core functionality including the contact form, newsletter signup, image use cart, and checkout process. It contains no personal information — only a session identifier. It is set as HttpOnly (inaccessible to JavaScript) and uses the Lax same-site policy. The session expires after two hours of inactivity.
CSRF token. A cross-site request forgery token is included in the page markup and validated on form submissions. This is a standard security measure that prevents malicious sites from submitting forms on your behalf. It is not a tracking mechanism.
Cookies we do not set
We do not use Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or any other third-party analytics or advertising trackers. We do not set any cookies for behavioral tracking, retargeting, or cross-site identification. Mapbox, used for our interactive maps, may set its own cookies as described in Mapbox's privacy policy.
Terms of Use
About the site
OpenSFHistory.org is operated by the Western Neighborhoods Project as a public archive of historical San Francisco photography. The site provides free access to browse, search, and explore the collection.
Image use
Photographs in the OpenSFHistory collection are available for licensed use through our image use request system. Each request specifies the intended use, resolution, and applicable fee. Payment is processed through Stripe. Upon completion, you receive a time-limited download link for the requested image files.
Image use licenses are granted for the specific purpose described in your request. Redistribution, resale, or sublicensing of images is not permitted without separate written agreement. The photographs remain the intellectual property of OpenSFHistory and the Western Neighborhoods Project.
Site content
The text, design, and code of this website are the work of the OpenSFHistory team. Historical photographs, captions, and metadata are curated by OpenSFHistory and the Western Neighborhoods Project.
Acceptable use
You agree to use this site in good faith. Automated scraping, bulk downloading, or systematic extraction of photographs or data is prohibited. Submitting false information through forms, attempting to circumvent access controls, or interfering with site operations is prohibited.
Limitation of liability
OpenSFHistory provides this site and its content on an "as is" basis. While we make reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy of historical information, we make no warranties regarding completeness or correctness of dates, locations, captions, or attributions. The site may experience downtime for maintenance or technical issues.
Changes to these terms
We may update these policies as the site evolves. Substantive changes will be noted on this page. Continued use of the site constitutes acceptance of the current terms.