Terms of Service
Effective Date: January 17, 2026
Last Updated: January 17, 2026
1. Acceptance of Terms
Welcome to the Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia ("HSWCV," "we," "us," or "our"). By accessing or using our website at hswcv.org and our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms").
If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our website or services. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Your continued use of our website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
Please also review our Privacy Policy, which governs how we collect and use your personal information.
2. Use of Website
Permitted Use
You may use our website for lawful purposes only. You agree not to:
- Violate any applicable laws or regulations
- Infringe on the intellectual property rights of HSWCV or others
- Transmit harmful code, viruses, or malicious software
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or networks
- Interfere with or disrupt the website or servers
- Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) without permission
- Submit false, misleading, or fraudulent information
- Harass, abuse, or harm other users or HSWCV staff
Account Security
If you create an account or submit information through our website, you are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your information and for all activities that occur using your account.
3. Memberships
Membership Levels and Benefits
HSWCV offers various membership levels, each with specific benefits including newsletter subscriptions, research access, and invitations to member events. Membership benefits are subject to change.
One-Time Memberships
Annual memberships are valid for one year from the date of purchase and must be renewed manually.
Subscription Memberships
Subscription memberships automatically renew annually through PayPal. You may cancel your subscription at any time through your PayPal account. Cancellation will take effect at the end of the current billing cycle.
Life Memberships
Life memberships are one-time payments and do not require renewal. Benefits continue for the lifetime of the member.
Membership Cancellations and Refunds
Membership fees are generally non-refundable. However, refunds may be considered on a case-by-case basis if requested within 30 days of purchase. To request a refund, contact us at office@hswcv.org.
4. Donations
All donations to HSWCV are voluntary contributions to support our mission of preserving and sharing Southwest Virginia's history. Donations are generally non-refundable.
Tax Deductibility
HSWCV is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. We recommend consulting with a tax professional regarding the deductibility of your donation. You will receive a receipt for your donation for tax purposes.
Recurring Donations
If you set up a recurring donation (monthly, quarterly, or annually), your donation will automatically renew through PayPal until you cancel. You may cancel at any time through your PayPal account.
5. Research Request Services
Service Description
HSWCV offers genealogical and historical research services for a fee of $25.00 per request. Each request may include up to two (2) research questions.
Research Process
- Research is conducted by volunteer researchers
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks
- Complex requests may take longer
- Results are delivered via email
No Guarantee of Results
While we make every effort to conduct thorough research, we cannot guarantee that we will find information on every request. The $25.00 fee covers the research time and effort, regardless of whether information is found.
Refund Policy
Research request fees are generally non-refundable once research has begun. If you need to cancel a research request before work has commenced, please contact us immediately.
Use of Research Results
Research results provided by HSWCV are for personal, educational, and genealogical purposes only. You may not publish or commercially exploit research results without proper attribution to HSWCV.
6. Bulletin Purchases
Series 1 Bulletins (1937-1951)
Digital-Only Format
Series 1 bulletins are out of print and available only as digital files (PDF format) for $5.00 each (PLU 905). Digital files are delivered via email.
Terms of Use - Personal Use Only
Series 1 bulletins are licensed for personal, individual use only. You agree that:
- Bulletins may NOT be used in any commercial or for-profit endeavor
- Bulletins may NOT be used in any publication or exhibit without written consent from HSWCV
- Bulletins may NOT be posted on Internet social media or genealogical websites
- Bulletins may NOT be redistributed, shared, or resold
- You may print copies for your personal use only
Series 2 Bulletins (1965-Current)
Printed Format
Series 2 bulletins are printed pamphlets with variable pricing. Physical copies are shipped to your mailing address via USPS (5-10 business days delivery).
Shipping
Shipping is included in the purchase price. We ship via standard USPS mail and do not provide tracking numbers. If your bulletin does not arrive within 2 weeks, please contact us.
Returns and Refunds
If you receive a damaged bulletin, please contact us within 14 days for a replacement. Returns for other reasons are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Copyright and Attribution
All bulletins contain copyrighted material owned by HSWCV or licensed for use. Proper attribution to HSWCV is required when citing bulletin content in research or publications.
7. Image Purchase Services
Image Usage Rights
HSWCV offers historical images and newspaper page scans for purchase. Usage rights depend on the order type selected:
Personal Use
Images purchased for personal use may be used for individual research, personal enjoyment, and non-commercial family history projects. You may NOT:
- Use images in any commercial publication or product
- Post images on social media or genealogical websites
- Redistribute or resell images
- Use images in exhibits without written permission
Commercial Use
Images purchased for commercial use require written permission and may incur additional licensing fees. Contact HSWCV before commercial use to discuss licensing terms and obtain proper authorization.
Attribution Required
All uses of images must include attribution: "Courtesy of the Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia."
Delivery and Processing
Images are scanned and delivered via email within 3-5 business days. High-resolution scans are provided in common digital formats.
No Refunds
Image purchase fees are non-refundable once digital files have been delivered, as the product has been provided in full.
8. Online Store Purchases
Product Availability
Products available in our online store (books, merchandise, and other items) are subject to availability. We reserve the right to limit quantities or discontinue products at any time.
Shipping
Orders are typically processed and shipped within 1-2 business days via USPS standard mail. Delivery typically takes 5-10 business days depending on your location. We do not provide tracking numbers for standard shipments.
Returns and Exchanges
If you receive a damaged or incorrect item, please contact us within 14 days of delivery. We will work with you to resolve the issue through replacement or refund. Returns for other reasons are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
9. Payment Processing
PayPal Integration
All online payments are processed through PayPal's secure platform. By making a purchase, you agree to PayPal's terms and conditions.
HSWCV does not directly process, store, or have access to your credit card information. All payment data is handled by PayPal in accordance with their security standards.
Payment Confirmation
You will receive email confirmation when your payment is received. If you do not receive confirmation within 24 hours, please contact us.
Pricing
All prices are listed in U.S. Dollars (USD). We reserve the right to change prices at any time, but price changes will not affect orders already placed.
10. Intellectual Property Rights
Website Content
All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, images, photographs, documents, and software, is the property of HSWCV or its content suppliers and is protected by U.S. and international copyright laws.
Trademarks
The HSWCV name, logo, and related marks are trademarks of the Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia. You may not use these marks without our prior written permission.
Historical Materials
While many historical documents, photographs, and materials in our collection may be in the public domain, the digital reproductions, databases, and compilations created by HSWCV may be protected by copyright. Please contact us for guidance on usage rights.
User-Submitted Content
If you submit content to HSWCV (such as family histories, photographs, or documents), you grant HSWCV a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and display that content for our archival and educational purposes. Please contact the HSWCV for any questions regarding this policy.
11. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability
No Warranties
Our website and services are provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.
Historical Accuracy
While we strive for accuracy in our historical materials and research, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of any information provided. Historical research involves interpretation of available sources and may be subject to revision as new information becomes available.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or terms of service of external sites.
Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, HSWCV shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits or revenues, whether incurred directly or indirectly, or any loss of data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses resulting from:
- Your use or inability to use our website or services
- Any unauthorized access to or use of our servers or personal information
- Any interruption or cessation of transmission to or from our website
- Any bugs, viruses, or similar harmful code that may be transmitted through our website
- Any errors or omissions in content or any loss or damage incurred as a result of using content
In no event shall HSWCV's total liability to you exceed the amount you paid to HSWCV in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.
12. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless HSWCV, its officers, directors, volunteers, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out of or in any way connected with:
- Your violation of these Terms of Service
- Your violation of any rights of another party
- Your use of our website or services
- Your misuse of purchased materials or violation of usage restrictions
13. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
Jurisdiction
Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms will be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Washington County, Virginia, and you consent to personal jurisdiction in such courts.
Informal Resolution
Before filing any legal claim, you agree to contact us to attempt to resolve the dispute informally. Most concerns can be resolved quickly and amicably through direct communication.
14. General Provisions
Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that these Terms will otherwise remain in full force and effect.
Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and HSWCV regarding your use of our website and services.
Waiver
Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms will not be considered a waiver of those rights.
Assignment
You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your rights hereunder, in whole or in part, without our written consent. We may assign these Terms at any time without notice.
15. Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. When we make changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. Material changes will be communicated through a notice on our website.
Your continued use of our website and services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.
16. Contact Information
If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:
Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia
Mailing Address:
341 West Main Street
P.O. Box 484
Abingdon, VA 24212-0484
Phone: 276-623-8337
Email: office@hswcv.org
Office Hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Closed Sunday & Monday
Acknowledgment: By using the HSWCV website and services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.