1. Who We Are

The Grave Guy is a genealogy-focused research service offering cemetery fieldwork, archival research, digital storytelling, visual content, and personalized consultations. 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 consultations (in person or virtual)

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

• Newsletter signup information

B. Information collected automatically

Squarespace and Google Analytics may automatically collect:

• IP address

• Browser type & version

• Device type

• Pages viewed & time spent

• Referral sources

• General location (country/region)

• Conversion events (form submissions, button clicks, bookings)

This data is used only to improve site content, navigation, and user experience.

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 consult 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 consultations through Google Workspace tools

We do not sell or rent your information. We do not share personal data with third parties except to provide essential services (Squarespace, Google Workspace).

4. Cookies, Tracking, and Third-Party Tools

A. Squarespace Cookies

Squarespace automatically uses cookies to:

• Provide core site functionality

• Measure site traffic

• Report on anonymous usage patterns

• Maintain security

• Enable commerce-related features (if used)

You can manage cookie settings in your browser at any time.

B. Google Analytics (GA4) & Conversion Tracking

We use Google Analytics to understand:

• How visitors interact with pages

• Which content is most helpful

• What paths users take through the site

If enabled, GA4 may track:

• Page views

• Scroll depth

• Button clicks (e.g., "Begin Your Free Survey," "Schedule Consultation")

• Form submissions

• UTM parameters

This data is anonymous and used for improvement only.

C. Email Campaigns & Automations

When you:

• Subscribe to The Grave Guy newsletter

• Submit The Grave Survey form

• Receive automated email replies

Squarespace’s Email Campaigns tool stores your email address and interaction history (opens, clicks, unsubscribes).

You can unsubscribe at any time.

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 submissions, analytics, and email campaigns.

B. Google Workspace

Used for:

• Scheduling consults

• Sending email replies

• Storing project notes

• Managing communication

C. Google Analytics

Anonymous usage tracking.

D. Client Materials

Your archives remain yours.

Any family stories, photos, or research items you share remain yours. They will only be used in storytelling or blog content with your permission, unless you explicitly mark them as confidential.

We do not sell or share personal information for marketing by outside companies.

E. Public Storytelling & The Blog

I frequently publish historical stories on Stories UnEarthed. However, I will never publish your specific family mystery, photos, or identifying details without your explicit, written permission. Your case file is private until you say otherwise.

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 consult 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 consults

• 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