Description
The Oregon-California Trails Association (a non-profit, 501 (C) (3) Association) is the nation's
largest and most influential organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of overland
emigrant trails and the emigrant experience. OCTA members protect the trails to prevent the
destruction of trail remnants, graves and other trail-related sites. Members also place markers on
the trails and maintain existing markers.
OCTA also encourages the study of the trails through its publications and through the development of
classroom materials for teachers. Some of our members map the trails and collect data for the
documentation of overland diaries, newspapers and other materials. OCTA headquarters are located on
the grounds of the National Frontier Trails Museum (318 West Pacific, Independence, MO 64051) and
house our Merrill J. Mattes Research Library.
OCTA Vision: The Oregon-California Trails Association is the pre-eminent guardian and promoter of
the inspirational story of the 19th-century westward migration, which is unique in world history.
OCTA Mission: Our mission is to protect the Historic Emigrant Trails legacy by promoting research,
education, preservation activities and public awareness of the trails, and to work with others to
promote these causes.
Mission Goals: Six broad goals describe how OCTA will achieve its mission. These address trail
preservation, education/interpretation, partnerships, organizational effectiveness, and membership.
Each goal is supported by objectives and implemental actions.
Goal 1. Preserve the historic emigrant trails.
Goal 2. Present the stories of the emigrant experience in a manner that is inclusive of other
perspectives.
Goal 3. Be an effective historic trails organization through appropriate partnerships.
Goal 4. Improve organizational effectiveness and sustainability.
Goal 5. Keep OCTA’s membership energized and informed.
Goal 6. Promote membership growth.
Become a national member and receive subscriptions to the Overland Journal and News From the Planes.
Access to members-only video content. Access to Paper-Trail.org – a digital library of 19th
Century westward American migration documents. Access to Time Travelers. Ability to join chapter
membership. Vote for national board and chair leadership.
Learn more about OCTA at our websites: octa-trails.org and octa-journals.org. Consider subscribing
to our dynamic YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@octatrails. You may also follow us on
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
In addition, discover the new OCTA Archaeology Collection at the following link:
https://octa-trails.org/archaeology-works. Thank you for your review of our organization.
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