1. Who We Are

The Grave Guy is a genealogy-focused research service offering cemetery fieldwork, archival research, digital storytelling, visual content, and personalized briefings. Our mission is simple: to honor the past through accurate, respectful, and story-centered historical work.

This website is hosted by Squarespace, which provides our site infrastructure, analytics tools, and email campaign platform.

2. Data Collection Protocol

We collect information in three ways:

A. Information you provide directly

This includes:

• Your name, email address, and contact details

• Information submitted through The Grave Survey intake form

• Details shared during briefings (in person or virtual)

• Family stories, photographs, research goals, or background material you voluntarily submit

• Newsletter signup information

B. Information collected automatically

When you visit the website, Squarespace may receive technical and usage information, such as your IP address, browser and device details, pages viewed, referral source, and approximate location. The exact data collected depends on the site’s configuration and your cookie choices. This information helps me understand site use and maintain the website.

C. Sensitive case data

Genealogical research sometimes involves:

• Historical family stories

• Old photographs

• Burial locations

• Contextual details about ancestors

You choose what you share. Sensitive information is only collected when you voluntarily provide it for research purposes.

3. Chain of Custody (Data Usage)

We use the information we collect to:

• Respond to briefing inquiries

• Prepare for research projects

• Deliver services you’ve requested

• Send email updates, blog notifications, or newsletters (only if you opt in)

• Improve site performance, navigation, and content

• Maintain internal documentation and project history

• Schedule briefings through Google Workspace tools

I do not sell or rent your personal information. I use service providers to run the website, respond to inquiries, schedule and deliver work, send updates you choose to receive, and process invoices and payments. Those providers include Squarespace, Google Workspace, and PayPal.

4. Cookies, Tracking, and Third-Party Tools

A. Squarespace Cookies

Squarespace automatically uses cookies to:

• Provide core site functionality

• Measure site traffic

• Report on site usage patterns

• Maintain security

• Enable commerce-related features (if used)

You can use the site’s Cookie Preferences control to review available choices and change them later. Your browser settings may offer additional controls. The information available to the site depends on those choices and on Squarespace’s current analytics configuration.

B. Site analytics

Squarespace provides site traffic information, such as visits, page views, referral sources, and general visitor location. I use these reports to understand which content is helpful and improve the site. Information you submit through a form or direct contact is handled separately as part of your inquiry.

C. Email Campaigns & Automations

If you sign up for The Dig, Squarespace Email Campaigns stores your email address and information needed to send the newsletter and manage your subscription, including unsubscribe preferences. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Submitting The Grave Survey does not, by itself, sign you up for The Dig or schedule a briefing. Squarespace receives the form submission and sends me a form notification. The Survey details also reach my Google Workspace response sheet, where an automated Gmail acknowledgment sends you a link to my Google Calendar. You may choose to schedule a complimentary Case Strategy Briefing; scheduling is optional. The newsletter checkbox is a separate choice.

5. Third-Party Access

We share your data only as needed with trusted service providers that make the website and our services functional:

A. Squarespace

Website hosting, form intake and owner notification, site analytics, and newsletter delivery.

B. Google Workspace

Survey response handling and automated acknowledgment through Gmail, Google Calendar scheduling, correspondence, and case-file storage.

C. PayPal

Invoices and payment processing.

D. Client Materials

The photos, documents, and research materials you provide remain yours. I use them to review and carry out the work you request. I will not publish your materials, your name, or details that could reasonably identify you or your family without your explicit written permission. You do not have to mark a case “confidential” to receive this protection.

E. Public Storytelling & Stories UnEarthed

Stories UnEarthed may discuss general research methods and anonymized findings from casework without asking permission first, provided the account cannot reasonably identify the client or family. I will ask for explicit written permission before publishing a client’s name, photos, documents, or identifying case details. If you ask me not to use even an anonymized example from your case, I will honor that request.

6. Your Rights

You may request at any time to:

• Access the information you’ve shared

• Correct inaccuracies

• Delete your information

• Unsubscribe from email updates

• Limit how your data is used

To make a request, email: privacy@thegraveguy.com

If you are located in the EU, UK, or a region with enhanced privacy rights, we will honor all applicable requests (access, correction, deletion, restriction).

7. Security Measures

We take reasonable measures to protect your data, including:

• Secure hosting on Squarespace

• Limited internal access to briefing records

• Protected Google Workspace systems

• Encrypted form submission channels

No system is entirely secure, but I treat your digital files with the same security as physical evidence.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:

• Complete active genealogy research or briefings

• Maintain project records (if you choose to work with us long-term)

• Fulfill legal or tax obligations

• Honor your communication preferences

You may request deletion at any time.

9. Children’s Privacy

The Grave Guy does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. Parents or guardians who believe information has been collected may contact us for immediate removal.

10. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated as our services expand. Revisions will be posted here with an updated effective date.

11. Contact Us

For questions, privacy requests, or concerns:

privacy@thegraveguy.com
www.thegraveguy.com