Long before the internet brought fans together, the Star Trek community thrived through newsletters, potlucks, and passionate word of mouth.

This week, The Trek Files celebrates the 50th anniversary of the United Federation of Phoenix (UFP), the longest-running independent Star Trek fan club, with guest Dr. David Williams, UFP member and Arizona State University planetary scientist. Using a 1975 Arizona Republic article as our time capsule, we look back at how a group of Arizona fans kept the Trek spirit alive in the years between the show’s cancellation and its cinematic rebirth.

From screening parties and fan films to homemade uniforms and sci-fi socials, UFP didn’t just preserve the legacy, it expanded it. Dave and Larry explore the roots of early fandom, the transition from stamps to screens, and why clubs like UFP still thrive after half a century of community-building.

📰 Document and additional references: Arizona Republic article – “Star Trekkies Maintain the Faith” (1975)

The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha

All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha

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