Reusing ConnecticutHistory.org Content

ConnecticutHistory.org provides engaging, well-researched stories about Connecticut history that link to reliable primary and interpretive resources. Our goal is to encourage readers to engage with the institutions, archives, museums, and communities that hold and interpret the materials that explore the diversity of Connecticut’s history.  

To achieve that goal, ConnecticutHistory.org is committed to providing free and open access to Connecticut’s shared history through our content and resources.  

How Can ConnecticutHistory.org Articles Be Reused?  

Unless stated otherwise, the text of ConnecticutHistory.org articles are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (also known as a CC BY-SA 4.0 license). Under this license, you are free to both share and adapt the article in whatever way you would like as long as you provide appropriate attribution and you license any adaptations under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 license. As long as you are reusing our content within the terms of the license, you do not need to ask our permission! 

ConnecticutHistory.org works in conversation and collaboration with other historical and cultural content creators to elevate the state’s history. In limited cases, ConnecticutHistory.org hosts reused content from other projects with permission. This content is clearly attributed and when possible, linked back to its original source. For reused content, ConnecticutHistory.org does not own the copyright and therefore cannot give other people permission to reuse. Reused content does not necessarily fall under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license—we encourage you to determine your own copyright restrictions or reach out to the original content creator for permission. 

How Do I Provide Attribution? 

When providing attribution or giving credit, Creative Commons recommends following the “TASL” approach: Title, Author, Source, and License. Make sure to link the original article and license terms in your attribution.

For example, to properly provide attribution if you were reusing this ConnecticutHistory.org article about Dr. Alan L. Hart: 

“Alan L. Hart: Pioneer in Medicine and Transgender History.” By Emma Wiley on ConnecticutHistory.org. CC BY-SA 4.0. 

While not required, if you are reusing our content—we would love to hear about it! Feel free to let us know how you are using ConnecticutHistory.org articles by emailing us at connecticuthistory@cthumanities.org.  

What About Images? 

ConnecticutHistory.org does not own any of the images that accompany its articles. We use images that are either in the public domain, usable through an appropriate license (like a CC license), usable through permission from one of our partners, or otherwise usable through copyright fair use principles.  

We are in the process of improving the captions and attributions on all the images we use. If you would like to use any images you find on ConnecticutHistory.org, we encourage you to determine your own copyright restrictions. 

Why Does This Matter? 

ConnecticutHistory.org champions the Open Culture movement of free and open sharing/access. We use open access licensing because we believe that Connecticut’s cultural and historical resources should be free and easy to use for everyone. Our CC licensing and information about reusing content makes it easier for people to legally and responsibly share, relate to, and build on the stories and histories of Connecticut. 

At the same time, we also acknowledge that not all content and knowledge is meant to be 100% open. Copyright holders have the right to determine protections for their work and other information is meant to be kept within distinct communities, like Traditional Knowledge. Beyond legal permissions, we also have an ethical imperative to consider. For example, even when legally able, ConnecticutHistory.org chooses not include any images of human remains out of respect for the dead. Everyone must judge how to reuse content based on legal and ethical best practices. 

Takedown Policy 

ConnecticutHistory.org has been around for over a decade, through many changes in best practices, digital tools, and scholarship. We are constantly working to improve both the usability and content of the project, but we cannot catch everything automatically. If you suspect improper reuse of content on ConnecticutHistory.org, please contact us via email at connecticuthistory@cthumanities.org with the content’s original source. For more information, please see ConnecticutHistory.org’s Takedown Policy. 

Additional Resources 

There are lots of resources to learn more about how copyright law applies to cultural heritage projects. If you have additional questions specific to ConnecticutHistory.org, please contact us via email at connecticuthistory@cthumanities.org or visit:

CT Humanities Intellectual Property Policy 

Intellectual Property Series: Introduction to Creative Commons and Copyright (Webinar hosted by Connecticut League of Museums, Creative Commons, and CT Humanities) 

 

This page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License by Connecticut Humanities.