Privacy & Terms

Your walk through history is yours alone.

Minnesota Then is built on a simple idea: your walk through history is yours alone. We do not collect, store, or transmit your personal information. This page explains exactly what happens with your data — which, in most cases, is nothing at all.

No Accounts, No Registration

We do not require user accounts, passwords, email addresses, or any form of registration. You can use the entire experience without telling us who you are.

Your Location and Sensor Data Stay on Your Device

Minnesota Then uses your browser's Geolocation API to place you on the map and trigger exhibits when you are near a historical location. In addition, the app may access your device compass (for heading) and accelerometer (to detect when you begin walking so the map does not drift while you are standing still).

All of this processing happens entirely inside your browser on your device. We never receive your GPS coordinates, compass readings, accelerometer data, or movement history, and we have no ability to track your movements.

What We Store Locally

Because there are no accounts, the app stores a small amount of data directly in your browser using localStorage and sessionStorage. This information never leaves your device. It includes:

• Your last audio playback position (so you can resume listening if you close the page)
• Location visit cooldown timestamps (to manage the 2-minute revisit window)
• PWA install preferences (so we do not repeatedly prompt you to install the app)

You can clear this data at any time through your browser's settings.

No Cookies, No Trackers, No Ads

We do not use cookies, analytics scripts, advertising beacons, or third-party trackers. We do not build profiles, measure engagement, or sell data because we do not collect any data to begin with.

External Media & Map Tiles

Historical audio, photographs, and map tiles are loaded from external content delivery networks (including Firebase / Google Cloud Storage and OpenStreetMap). When your browser requests these files, the hosting provider may log your IP address and browser type in standard server logs. We do not control those logs and do not receive copies of them.

Offline Caching

A Service Worker caches app files, map tiles, and audio locally so the experience works offline or in areas with poor signal. This cache lives entirely on your device and is deleted when you clear site data or uninstall the PWA.

Children's Privacy

Minnesota Then is a general-interest educational tool. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone, including children under 13. Because no data collection occurs, there is nothing for a parent to request deletion of.

Changes to This Policy

If we ever change how the app works in a way that affects privacy, we will update this page. Because the app is a web application, you will always see the current policy when you visit this page.

Contact

Questions about this policy? Email mattreicher@protonmail.com.

The rules of the road.

By using Minnesota Then, you agree to these terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the service.

What Minnesota Then Is

Minnesota Then is a free, client-side historical guide. It uses your device's GPS, compass, and accelerometer to show you archival photographs, audio narration, and written summaries tied to physical locations in Minnesota. No payment, account, or signup is required.

Your Responsibility While Using the App

This is a walking-tour application meant to be used outdoors. By using it, you agree to:

• Pay attention to your surroundings, traffic, and terrain
• Not use the app while driving or operating machinery
• Respect private property and any posted restrictions near historical sites
• Use common sense: GPS accuracy varies, especially near tall buildings or under tree cover

Content Accuracy

All historical content is researched and sourced in good faith, but we do not guarantee that every detail is complete or error-free. Dates, names, and locations are presented for educational interest. Do not rely on this app as a sole source for academic citation or legal fact-finding without independent verification.

Intellectual Property

The software of Minnesota Then — including the positioning engine, UI components, and all JavaScript/CSS — is open source under the Mozilla Public License 2.0. You may use, modify, and redistribute the code under those terms.

The historical content — including articles, audio narration, images, location descriptions, and curated stories — is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0. You may share and adapt it for non-commercial purposes with attribution. Commercial use requires explicit permission.

No Warranty

The service is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. GPS signals can drift, devices can malfunction, and network coverage can disappear. We are not responsible for inaccurate positioning, missed locations, or any inconvenience caused by technical limitations.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Minnesota Then and its contributors are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the app, including but not limited to physical injury, property damage, or data loss. You assume full responsibility for your own safety while walking, biking, or driving to and from locations.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota, United States, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms as the service evolves. The current version will always be available on this page. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

Contact

Questions about these terms? Email mattreicher@protonmail.com.