About the National Caves Association USA
Founded in 1965, the National Caves Association USA (NCA) is a non-profit trade association established by a small group of private show cave owners who shared a common vision: to unite show cave owners and operators across the country in promoting cave tourism, sharing knowledge, and advocating for legislation that supports the show cave industry.
Over time, the NCA has grown into far more than a trade organization. It has become a close-knit community of colleagues and friends—professionals willing to exchange ideas, share experiences, and lend a helping hand when needed. From those original founding members, the Association has expanded to include nearly 100 show caves located throughout the United States, Bermuda, and Barbados.
For more than 60 years, NCA members have gathered annually at locations across the U.S. and Bermuda for the Association’s convention. These gatherings are the heart of the NCA experience, offering opportunities to reconnect with longtime friends, welcome new members, and openly share the challenges, successes, and lessons learned in operating show caves. For many members, the annual convention remains the most anticipated event of the year—and one of the greatest benefits of membership.
The NCA is also a strong advocate for education, conservation, and industry leadership. The Association actively promotes cave visitation, develops affordable insurance programs for member caves, helps establish and implement industry standards—including those related to alpha radiation in caves—and educates the public about White-Nose Syndrome (WNS), a disease that has severely impacted bat populations across much of the eastern United States. Today, the NCA serves as a trusted repository of information and resources on a wide range of topics related to the show cave industry.
A key benefit of membership is Cave Talk, the NCA’s monthly newsletter. Cave Talk keeps members informed and connected by sharing industry news, association updates, best practices, member highlights, and stories from show caves across the country and beyond.
For the public, the NCA also publishes a brochure and directory of member caves, making it easy to discover and plan visits to show caves nationwide. This directory may be requested by completing the form available on this website.
In addition, the National Caves Association USA is a proud member of the International Show Caves Association (ISCA), collaborating with show cave organizations worldwide to advance best practices, conservation, and education on a global scale.
Together, NCA members are committed to preserving, protecting, and promoting America’s underground treasures for generations to come.
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Purpose of the NCA
- Promoting public interest in and attendance at Show Caves;
- Promoting public education and awareness with respect to the conservation and preservation of all caves, including without limitation Show Caves;
- Conducting public relations efforts with respect to matters that are germane to the conservation and preservation of all caves, the operation of Show Caves, and the safety and enjoyment of Show Caves;
- Encouraging membership and participation in the Association;
- Identifying and addressing issues pertinent to managing, operating and/or owning Show Caves;
- Promoting methods of operation of Show Caves that enhance business performance, safety, and the conservation and preservation of Show Caves;
- Promoting and supporting legislation that provides for the conservation and preservation of caves, including without limitation Show Caves, and promote and support legislation that provides for favorable business conditions for Show Caves;
- Presenting information and articulating the Association’s position to government agencies with respect to matters that are germane to the conservation and preservation of all caves, the operation of Show Caves, and the safety and enjoyment of Show Caves;
- Conducting annual conventions and educational seminars for members in furtherance of the Association’s purpose;
- Implementing industry guidelines for Show Caves;
- Compiling, preserving, and publishing cooperative data (technical and promotional) with respect to Show Caves;
- Promoting and encouraging the development of a spirit of cooperation, courtesy, and respect among managers, operators, and owners of Show Caves; and
- Compiling, developing, publishing and distributing information of pertinence to the Show Cave industry.