Cookie Policy

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how Galveston Historical Foundation, Inc. ("GHF," "we," "us," or "our") uses cookies on our website, and how you can manage your cookie preferences.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better user experience, and give website owners information about how visitors use their site.

Cookies can be:

• Session Cookies - Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies - Cookies that remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted
• First-Party Cookies - Set by the website you are visiting
• Third-Party Cookies - Set by third-party services used on the website

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies

Essential cookies enable core functionality such as:

• Page navigation and access to secure areas
• Remembering your cookie consent preferences
• Form submission functionality
• Security and fraud prevention

2.2 Analytics Cookies

We use Google Analytics to collect anonymous information about how visitors use our website. This helps us improve our site and services. Analytics cookies collect information such as:

• Pages visited and time spent on each page
• How you arrived at our site (referral source)
• What you click on while using our site
• Device and browser information
• Geographic location (country/region level)

You can opt out of Google Analytics cookies by:

• Using our cookie consent tool and declining analytics cookies
• Installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Blocking cookies in your browser settings

2.3 Marketing Cookies

Marketing cookies track your visit across websites and may be used to display relevant and engaging ads. We currently do not use marketing cookies on our website. If this changes, we will update this policy and seek your consent.

3. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our website are set by third-party services:

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyze website usage. Google Analytics cookies are set by Google LLC. For more information about how Google uses data, please see Google's Privacy Policy.

FormSubmit

Our contact forms are processed by FormSubmit. FormSubmit may set cookies for form functionality and spam prevention. For more information, see FormSubmit's website.

Embedded Content

Pages on our site may include embedded content (e.g., videos, maps). These third-party services may set their own cookies when you interact with the embedded content.

4. Managing Cookie Preferences

Cookie Consent Banner

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clearing your browser's localStorage or visiting our website again.

5. How to Disable Cookies in Your Browser

Most browsers allow you to manage cookie settings. You can set your browser to refuse cookies or delete certain cookies. Here's how to manage cookies in popular browsers:

Google Chrome

1. Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner
2. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
3. Select your preferred cookie settings

Mozilla Firefox

1. Click the menu button and select Settings
2. Go to Privacy & Security panel
3. Under Cookies and Site Data, select your preferences

Safari

1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy
2. Click "Manage Website Data" to view and remove cookies
3. Or select "Block all cookies" to prevent all cookies

Microsoft Edge

1. Click the three-dot menu and select Settings
2. Go to Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data
3. Select your preferred settings

Mobile Devices

On mobile devices, cookie settings are typically found in the browser or device settings menu. Refer to your device's help documentation for specific instructions.

6. Cookie Consent Mechanism

Our cookie consent mechanism operates as follows:

• On your first visit, a consent banner appears before any non-essential cookies are set
• Your consent choice is stored in localStorage for 1 year
• You can withdraw consent at any time by clearing your browser data
• We maintain a record of your consent preferences for compliance purposes

7. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our data practices. We will post any changes on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

8. Contact Us