Seneschal

Marshal

Herald

Chronicler

KMOAS

Chirurgeon

Exchequer

Chatelaine

Webminister

The Society for Creative Anachronism began as a May Day Celebration held in Berkeley, California in 1966. Several friends got together and organized a medieval tournament complete with mock weapons and period costumes. At the end of the day, they crowned the champion's lady. The day was so enjoyable, another was planned. 

The current activities of the Society have grown to encompass far more than a tournament (although many would tell you the tournament is the main attraction!) The number of  activities for you to chose from is as diverse and far-ranging as the members. There are groups in Europe, Japan, Australia and throughout the United States. The Known World is divided into fifteen (15) Kingdoms and includes over 500 local Branches.

Fancy hats, strange jewelry, people hitting each other with sticks -  how do I fit in?

The Society for Creative Anachronism, (or SCA), is a non-profit educational organization which is dedicated to the study and re-creation of crafts, customs and ideals of pre-seventeenth century European culture. We try to re-create life not as it was (Plague? No thanks!), but as an embodiment of the times, recreating the lost ideals of Chivalry, Courtesy, and Honor.

If you asked our members what the SCA is all about, you would probably receive many different answers. One person might say learning a new craft such as; spinning wool, embroidery or making wine. To another it may be spending a weekend in a "medieval atmosphere" complete with clothing, feasting and dancing. Yet, another might say he/she enjoys battling other armed warriors on the field of honor.

Yes, I said 'she'. Many women in the SCA chose to fight either in full armored combat or in rapier, a form of honorable chivalrous sword fighting developed in the 15th century to satisfy duels. Many fighting ladies have attained the rank of Knight (armored combat) or Warder (Rapier)  in the Society, so if you are a lady and the battlefield is where you want to be, you are most welcome!

In Medieval times, before warriors went on campaign they would practice with wooden swords, called "wasters". These swords had smooth edges and were blunted, so they could train without hurting each other. In the SCA, we use a type of wood called rattan. Rattan is hard on the outside, but has a soft inner pulp, which means there is less risk of injury from a sword breaking. The only live steel used in the SCA is in Rapier, and the tips are always blunted.

Okay. So what if I don't want to fight?

While Tournament Combat is one of the most visible aspects of the Society, there are many things to do for those who prefer other activities. Archery, leather crafting, cooking, heraldry, calligraphy, music, dancing, brewing & vinting, spinning & weaving, are just a few of the arts and sciences researched, taught, and practiced by our members.

While the SCA  period of history is stated to cover between 600 & 1600 AD, you will find the some push that envelope a little, and, while most members study mainly European cultures, you will find many people study other cultures known to Europe during this era. Some people pick a time period and culture and learn and perform crafts and activities only from that time, others dabble in two or more different times! You may find in your heart you are a Viking, but love fencing!  Learn and practice whatever crafts and activities you find an interest in. You'll soon find who you wish to be in the SCA. 

Persona

In the SCA, people chose an alter ego or Persona. Your Persona is who you would be in period.  For instance, Sam Smith, an accountant in the real world, might become Eric Boarkiller a Viking from 900 AD over the weekend at an SCA event. Alot of his SCA friends might know him as Eric and never, or rarely, even call him Sam.

Members

Members meet regularly to study "period" subjects, teach or learn a "period" craft, or train for fighting in Wars or at events. Weekend or Day Trip activities are held throughout the Region or Kingdom on the weekends, and include; Tournaments, Arts & Science Fairs, Revels, Wars, and Feasts. Weekend events usually include camping, and can be fun even if you've never camped before. 

Members of the SCA come from all walks of life and educational backgrounds. There are families and single adults, children and seniors, college students and professionals all brought together by a common interest in the middle ages.

We invite you to share our interests and enthusiasm. Join us, have fun, and experience the Middle Ages the way it should have been.

Handouts:

• Overview of the SCA

a two-sided flyer with photos

• Shorter overview of the SCA -

a one page exerpt of the above, with tear-off contact info for bulletin boards

• Brief intro to the SCA - Microsoft Word document | PDF format a double-sided, trifold handout