Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: October 1, 2025

This Privacy Policy describes how The Head Of The Charles (“HOCR” “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, maintains, and discloses information collected from users (each, a “User”) of the hocr.com website (“Site”). This policy applies to the Site and all services offered by The Head Of The Charles.

1. Information We Collect and Sources

We collect personal and non-personal identification information from Users, primarily from three sources: direct input, site analytics, and embedded third-party content.

A. Information You Directly Provide (Personally Identifiable Information – PII)

We collect PII only when Users voluntarily submit it to us:

  • Newsletter Data: We collect the Name and Email Address when a User subscribes to our newsletter.
  • Correspondence Data: Information provided when Users communicate with us directly, such as via an on-site contact form (Name, Email, and message content).
  • Comment Data: If Users leave comments on the Site, we collect the data shown in the comments form, the User’s IP address, and browser user agent string to help spam detection.

B. Automated Tracking and Non-Personal Data

This information is automatically collected through cookies, server logs, and tracking scripts:

  • Technical Data: Browser type, device type, operating system, and the Internet Protocol (IP) address.
  • Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on those pages, and referring sites.
  • Analytics Data: We use Google Analytics to gather statistical data on site usage and traffic patterns.

2. Third-Party Data Processors and Services

We rely on external providers for certain functions. These parties may collect or process your data as part of their service:

A. Email Marketing Provider

We use Constant Contact to manage our email marketing list, including sending newsletters and tracking email campaign performance (e.g., open and click-through rates). The Name and Email Address you provide are transferred to this platform solely for the purpose of communicating with you.

B. Embedded Content (YouTube Videos)

Articles or pages on this Site may include embedded content, such as videos from YouTube. Embedded content from other websites behaves in the exact same way as if the visitor has visited the other website.

  • These third-party services (like Google/YouTube) may collect data about you, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking, and monitor your interaction with that embedded content, especially if you have an account and are logged in to that website.
  • We recommend reviewing the privacy policy of YouTube for more information on how they handle your data.

3. How We Use the Collected Information

The Head Of The Charles uses the collected data for the following purposes:

  • To Run and Operate the Site: To ensure the Site functions correctly and to troubleshoot technical issues.
  • To Improve User Experience: We use aggregated data (like page views) to understand how our Users interact with our content, allowing us to improve the site’s design and features.
  • To Send Periodic Emails: To send Users information and updates pertaining to their subscription, and to respond to their inquiries, questions, and/or other requests. Users can unsubscribe at any time using the link in the footer of every email.

4. Protection and Sharing of Information

We adopt appropriate data collection, storage, and processing practices and security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction of your personal information and data stored on our Site.

We do not sell, trade, or rent Users’ personally identifiable information to others. We only share your information with the third-party providers (like Constant Contact and Google Analytics) mentioned above, solely to perform the services they are contracted to do.

5. Your Rights and Choices

  • Opt-Out of Communications: If you are subscribed to our newsletter, you may unsubscribe at any time via the link provided at the bottom of every email.
  • Control Over Cookies: You can choose to set your web browser to refuse cookies or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If you do so, note that some parts of the Site may not function properly.
  • Data Subject Rights: Depending on your location (e.g., EU or California), you may have the right to request access to the personal data we hold about you, request its deletion, or correct inaccuracies. Contact us using the details below to exercise these rights.

6. Changes to This Privacy Policy

The Head Of The Charles has the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. When we do, we will revise the updated date at the top of this page. We encourage Users to frequently check this page for any changes.

7. Contacting Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this site, please contact us at:

The Head Of The Charles

2 Gerrys Landing Rd, Cambridge, MA 02138

privacy@hocr.org

(617) 868-6200