Terms and conditions

Establishing a professional and ethical framework for our shared journey through Dalton’s history

The Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission Inc provides this website and our associated services as a community resource dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Dalton’s rich heritage. By accessing or using our digital platforms visiting our physical headquarters at 161 Raymond Dr or participating in our various programs you are entering into a legally binding agreement to abide by these Terms and Conditions. We believe that a clear and professional framework is essential for protecting the integrity of our historical mission and for ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all our members and visitors. These terms are designed to govern the relationship between our non-profit organization and the individuals who engage with us providing clarity on rights responsibilities and expectations. We encourage you to read this entire document carefully as it outlines the legal parameters of your interaction with our organization and the resources we provide. Your continued use of our services constitutes your full acceptance of these terms and your commitment to supporting the ethical standards of our historical commission.

The philosophy behind these terms is rooted in the concepts of mutual respect and collective stewardship of our town’s past. We view our website and our archives not just as collections of data but as a shared cultural legacy that belongs to the community. Therefore the rules we establish here are intended to safeguard that legacy against misuse and to ensure that the work of our ancestors is presented with the dignity it deserves. We are committed to transparency and fairness in all our dealings and we expect the same from our visitors and members. This agreement covers a wide range of topics including intellectual property rights user conduct donation policies and the limitations of our liability. By establishing these ground rules we create a stable and predictable environment where historical exploration can thrive and where our organization can continue to serve the people of Dalton effectively and ethically for generations to come.

Intellectual Property and Historical Ownership Rights

Protecting the unique cultural artifacts and digitized records of our community’s legacy

The content provided on this website including but not limited to text original research photographs digitized archival documents maps and multimedia presentations is the property of the Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission Inc or is used with the explicit permission of the original copyright holders. We take the protection of our intellectual property very seriously as it represents years of dedicated research and preservation work by our staff and volunteers. You are granted a limited and non-exclusive license to access and use this content for personal educational and non-commercial research purposes only. Any other use including the reproduction distribution modification or public display of our materials without our prior written consent is strictly prohibited. We believe that by controlling the use of our historical assets we ensure their accuracy and prevent the commercial exploitation of Dalton’s heritage which belongs in the hands of the community and not for-profit entities.

When you utilize our archives or download materials from our site you agree to respect the moral rights of the creators and the historical figures whose lives are documented. This means providing proper attribution to the Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission Inc whenever you use our findings in your own personal or academic projects. We also ask that you respect any specific restrictions that may apply to certain sensitive documents which are marked accordingly in our collection. The “Friends” group has invested significant resources into the digitization and interpretation of these records and we view the unauthorized scraping of our database or the bulk downloading of our archives as a violation of the trust we have built with our donors. By respecting our intellectual property rights you are helping to ensure that we can continue to provide these resources to the public and that the story of Dalton is told with the highest standards of historical integrity and professional care.

User Conduct and Community Interaction Standards

Maintaining a respectful and safe environment for historical dialogue and research

The Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission Inc prides itself on being a warm and welcoming space for people of all backgrounds to explore their heritage. To maintain this atmosphere we require all users to conduct themselves with the highest level of respect and integrity when interacting with our staff our volunteers and other members of the community. This includes both in-person interactions at our 161 Raymond Dr headquarters and digital engagement on our social media and email platforms. We strictly prohibit the use of our platforms for the dissemination of hate speech harassment or any content that is defamatory or harmful to others. We believe that history should be a bridge that brings people together and we will not tolerate any behavior that seeks to divide our community or undermine the dignity of our shared past. Your participation in our forums and comment sections must be constructive and focused on the advancement of historical knowledge.

In addition to maintaining a high standard of interpersonal conduct you also agree to use our technological resources responsibly. This means you will not attempt to circumvent our security measures gain unauthorized access to our internal databases or introduce any malicious software into our systems. Any attempt to disrupt the operation of our website or to compromise the privacy of our users will result in the immediate termination of your access and may lead to legal action. We expect our researchers to be honest in their inquiries and to use the information we provide in a way that is ethical and consistent with the mission of our commission. By adhering to these standards of conduct you contribute to a positive and productive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their stories and learning about the forces that have shaped Dalton. We reserve the right to remove any user-generated content or to ban any individual who fails to comply with these basic principles of community respect and digital ethics.

Membership and Financial Contribution Policies

Governing the professional and fiscal relationship between our commission and our supporters

Membership in the Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission Inc is a privilege that allows individuals to participate more deeply in our mission while providing essential financial support for our preservation efforts. When you become a member you agree to provide accurate and complete information and to keep your membership details up to date. We offer various tiers of membership each with its own set of benefits and responsibilities and we expect our members to act as ambassadors for the commission within the wider community. Membership fees are non-refundable and are used directly to fund our archival projects educational programs and the maintenance of our facilities at 161 Raymond Dr. We view our members as partners in our success and we are committed to providing you with the value and the historical insights that your support makes possible.

Donations are the lifeblood of our non-profit organization and we handle every contribution with the utmost fiscal responsibility and transparency. When you make a donation through our website you are making a voluntary contribution to the Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission Inc for the general support of our mission or for a specifically designated project. All donations are final and we do not offer refunds once a transaction has been processed except in the case of technical errors. We utilize secure and encrypted third-party payment processors to handle your financial information ensuring that your sensitive data is protected during the transaction. We provide our donors with formal receipts for tax purposes and we are always happy to discuss how your specific contribution is making a difference in the preservation of Dalton’s history. By making a financial contribution you are demonstrating your commitment to the cultural health of our town and we thank you for your trust and your generosity in helping us safeguard our shared legacy.

Event Registration and Physical Site Visit Rules

Establishing safety and liability standards for our public programs and tours

The Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission Inc regularly hosts a wide variety of events including guided historical tours guest lectures and community festivals. Participation in these events often requires prior registration and may be subject to specific capacity limits or age requirements. By registering for an event you agree to abide by all rules and instructions provided by our staff and volunteers. For physical visits to our headquarters or to historic sites around Dalton you acknowledge that these locations may have uneven terrain stairs or other architectural features that require caution. You assume all risks associated with your participation in these events and you agree to release the commission from any liability for personal injury or property damage that may occur during your visit. We strive to make our events as accessible and safe as possible but we expect our visitors to exercise reasonable care and to respect the physical integrity of the historic spaces we inhabit.

We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule events due to inclement weather low registration numbers or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases we will make every effort to notify registered participants in a timely manner and to provide information on rescheduled dates or alternative programs. For events that require a fee the same non-refundable policy applies as with our general donations unless we are forced to cancel the event entirely without a future date. We also frequently photograph or record our public events for promotional and archival purposes. By attending our events you grant us the right to use your likeness in our newsletters website and social media platforms to showcase our community engagement. If you do not wish to be photographed please inform our staff at the beginning of the event. These policies ensure that our public programs are conducted in a professional and orderly manner allowing everyone to focus on the joy of historical discovery and community connection.

Research Requests and Archival Access Agreements

Defining the professional boundaries and expectations for historical inquiry and assistance

Our commission is proud to offer research assistance to individuals seeking to uncover the specific details of Dalton’s past but this service is subject to certain professional boundaries and archival limitations. When you submit a research request you understand that our archivists will make every reasonable effort to locate the information you need but we cannot guarantee that specific records exist or will be found. The history of any town is filled with gaps and silences and our role is to interpret what remains with the highest degree of accuracy possible. We provide our research services as a community benefit and we ask that you be patient as our small team of volunteers balances multiple requests alongside our ongoing preservation work. We reserve the right to limit the scope of research projects or to decline requests that are overly broad or commercial in nature.

Access to our physical archives at 161 Raymond Dr is by appointment only and is governed by strict handling protocols designed to protect the fragile documents and artifacts in our care. When you are granted access to our research room you agree to follow all instructions regarding the use of gloves pencils and photography. We do not allow the removal of any original materials from our facility under any circumstances. If you require copies of documents we will perform the duplication for you for a nominal fee that covers our time and materials. By utilizing our research services you agree to use the information provided in a professional and ethical manner and to cite the Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission Inc as the source of your findings. This agreement ensures that our archives remain a sustainable resource for future generations and that the process of historical inquiry is conducted with the respect and the care that the records of our ancestors deserve.

Disclaimers of Accuracy and Limitation of Liability

Acknowledging the evolving and interpretative nature of historical records and research

While the Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission Inc makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on our website and in our programs we provide all historical data and interpretations “as is” and “as available.” History is an inherently interpretative field and new discoveries can often change our understanding of past events. Therefore we do not warrant the completeness or absolute accuracy of our archives or the content we publish. We provide our research and educational materials as a starting point for inquiry and we encourage our visitors to engage in their own critical analysis. The commission shall not be held liable for any errors omissions or inaccuracies in our historical records or for any decisions made based on the information provided through our services.

Furthermore the Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission Inc its officers board members staff and volunteers shall not be liable for any direct indirect incidental or consequential damages arising out of your use of our website or your participation in our programs. This limitation of liability applies to any claims of data loss personal injury financial loss or reputational damage that may result from your engagement with our organization. We provide our services on a best-efforts basis and we make no guarantees regarding the continuous availability of our website or the absolute security of our digital systems. By using our services you acknowledge that you are doing so at your own risk and that you waive any legal claims against the commission for damages that fall within this scope. This legal protection is essential for a non-profit organization like ours allowing us to focus our limited resources on our core mission of historical preservation without the constant threat of litigation over the interpretative and unpredictable nature of historical work.

Third-Party Links and External Content Policy

Clarifying our professional boundaries regarding outside resources and websites

For the convenience of our researchers and community members our website may contain links to third-party websites such as other historical societies libraries regional government portals and local news organizations. These links are provided solely as a helpful resource and do not constitute an endorsement or a recommendation of the content or services provided by these external entities. The Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission Inc has no control over the privacy practices security or accuracy of these third-party sites and we are not responsible for any issues that may arise from your use of them. We encourage you to read the terms and conditions and privacy policies of any external website you visit to ensure that your data and your device are protected.

We also occasionally feature guest contributors on our blog or host external experts for our lecture series. The views and opinions expressed by these third parties are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission Inc. We believe in providing a platform for diverse historical perspectives but we maintain our own rigorous standards for accuracy and professionalism in the content we produce directly. If you encounter any broken links or problematic content on an external site that we have linked to please notify us so that we can review the resource. Our goal is to provide our community with a robust network of historical information while maintaining a clear and professional boundary between our own work and the work of other organizations. This policy ensures that you understand the scope of our responsibility and the importance of exercising your own judgment when navigating the wider world of historical research online.

Indemnification and Responsibility for Legal Claims

Holding users accountable for their actions and the protection of our commission’s integrity

By using our website and services you agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission Inc its directors officers employees and volunteers from and against any and all claims losses expenses damages and costs including reasonable attorney fees resulting from any violation of these Terms and Conditions by you. This includes any claims arising from content you may have contributed to our platforms any unauthorized use of our intellectual property or any harmful actions you may have taken during your interactions with our organization. We believe that personal accountability is an essential part of community engagement and this indemnification clause ensures that our non-profit resources are not depleted by legal challenges resulting from the irresponsible behavior of a few individuals.

This responsibility extends to any legal action taken against the commission as a result of your specific misuse of the information or resources we provide. We work hard to maintain a professional and ethical organization and we expect our supporters to help us protect that integrity. If we are forced to defend ourselves in court because of your actions you will be held financially responsible for our defense and for any judgments rendered against us. We provide this clear warning because the work of historical preservation is often fragile and dependent on the goodwill of the community and we cannot afford to be undermined by the negligent or malicious actions of those we serve. By accepting these terms you are making a commitment to act with the same level of care and respect for our organization that we show for the history of Dalton.

Governing Law and Jurisdictional Authority

Defining the legal venue and the state statutes that govern our organization’s operations

The Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission Inc is a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and our primary base of operations is located in the town of Dalton. These Terms and Conditions and any disputes arising out of your relationship with our organization shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without regard to its conflict of law principles. By engaging with our services you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in Berkshire County Massachusetts for the resolution of any legal matters. We believe that this clear jurisdictional authority is necessary for the efficient and professional resolution of any disputes and reflects our deep roots in the local community we serve.

In the event that any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these terms does not constitute a waiver of that right or provision in the future. We are committed to a policy of fair and ethical governance and we will always seek to resolve any issues through open dialogue and mutual agreement before resorting to legal action. However when legal action is necessary we will pursue it vigorously within the established framework of Massachusetts law to protect the mission and the assets of our commission. This section provides the legal finality and clarity needed to ensure that our organization can operate with confidence in its regulatory and judicial environment.

Modifications to Terms and Conditions of Service

Maintaining a flexible and updated framework for our evolving historical mission

The Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission Inc reserves the right to modify or update these Terms and Conditions at any time and without prior notice. As our organization grows and as the legal and digital landscape evolves we may find it necessary to adjust our policies to better serve our community and to protect our resources. When we make changes we will post the updated terms on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date and the new terms will become effective immediately upon posting. Your continued use of our website visiting 161 Raymond Dr or participating in our programs after such changes are posted constitutes your full acceptance of the revised terms. We encourage you to review this page periodically to ensure that you are aware of your current rights and responsibilities.

We understand that significant changes to our policies can be disruptive and we will make every effort to notify our members and regular visitors of major updates through our newsletter or a prominent notice on our homepage. However it remains your responsibility to stay informed about the legal terms governing your interaction with our commission. Our goal is to maintain a terms of service framework that is both robust and flexible allowing us to respond to new challenges while remaining true to our core mission of preservation and education. By maintaining this right to modify our terms we ensure that the Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission stays at the forefront of professional non-profit management and continues to be a trusted steward of Dalton’s history in an ever-changing world. We value your continued support and your willingness to grow with us as we work to document and celebrate the stories of our town.

Contact Information for Legal and Procedural Inquiries

Direct lines of communication for any questions regarding our terms and organizational policies

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these Terms and Conditions or if you need clarification on any of our organizational policies please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We believe that open and honest communication is the best way to prevent misunderstandings and to build a strong professional relationship with our community. Our administrative team is here to provide you with the information and support you need to feel confident in your engagement with the commission. Whether you are a researcher a donor or a potential volunteer we want to ensure that your experience with us is positive and that your rights are respected.

Mailing Address for Formal Correspondence Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission Inc Attn: Legal Affairs / Board of Directors 161 RAYMOND DR DALTON, MA 01226-1034

Email Communication for Policy Inquiries Email: info@fdsc.site Please use the subject line “Terms of Service Inquiry” to ensure your message is directed to the appropriate individual for a timely response. We strive to provide comprehensive answers to all procedural questions and we look forward to hearing from you as we continue our shared mission of preserving the beautiful history of Dalton. Thank you for your commitment to our heritage and for your cooperation in maintaining the high standards of our historical commission.