This Brief history was prepared so that all members and non- members of the IFT and beyond could have a perspective on how real a dream can be and how far dreams can take you. IFT was once a dream and with each passing day, this dream can and will become obtainable.

      

   In June of 1984 a small group of rebels, known as the "Ohio Federation of Trekkers", began their journey with the founding of the U.S.S. Conquest in Cleveland. At the time the third Star Trek feature film had just debuted and the fandom community would soon welcome a new entourage with the premiere of the second television series, Star Trek: The Next Generation.

   Soon what started as a small group would grow beyond the boundaries of the State of Ohio and into other states and countries. This growth was instru mental in legally changing the organization's name to what is now known as the "International Federation of Trekkers". The founding chapter's name was also changed from Conquest to T'Hy'La, a Vulcan word meaning "more than friends".

   Since IFT's beginnings the organization has proven that change is a good thing, and that only through change can any organization meets the needs of it's membership. On April 23, 1992, the IFT incorporated itself to reflect the organization's real world stance. Today our organization has more than 50 chapters and currently seven of which are in four overseas countries.

   Through all of the changes in IFT, one thing remained the same: IFT PURPOSE! This purpose: "to promote the humanistic philosophies and ideals portrayed in the Star Trek myths in a realistic fashion conducive to the continued existence and responsible advancement of human kind. To provide, promote, and support education and positive legal activism in the area of human rights, racial and sexual equality, environmental causes, and space exploration. To promote a more positive impression of Star Trek enthusiasts as intelligent, socially conscious, active individuals who are aware and concerned about the real world today."

IFT is a nonprofit corporation. It's staff consist of a President/Chief of Operations (Fleet Admiral), Vice President/Chief Of Staff (Vice Fleet Admiral), Chief of Services (Admiral), Admiral of Operations (Admiral), Chief Of Administration (Vice Admiral), Council Adjutant (Vice Admiral), GEO Coordinator (Commodore), a Fleet Administration Office, and a number of GEO Commanders.