Greetings
from the York & Lancaster County Chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism!
Welcome to the Dream!
Welcome to the Society for Creative Anachronism. If you are reading this, you may already share an interest in the Middle Ages. There are estimated to be 50,000 participants in the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) worldwide. We are an international non-profit educational organization, with groups covering the North American continent, as well as groups in Japan, Australia, and throughout Europe. Our purpose is to recreate the atmosphere of the Medieval and Renaissance periods of European history, with emphasis on life in and around the courts in Europe. The time period of the SCA ranges from the collapse of the Roman Empire to approximately the year 1600, at the end of the reign of Elizabeth I of England. We cover about 1000 years of history.
The SCA is organized geographically. The Knowne World encompasses the globe, and is divided into 19 kingdoms. The Shire of Owlsherst is located in the East Kingdom. The East Kingdom currently extends from Delaware in the south, running northward along the east coast, including parts of Pennsylvania and New York, all of New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine, as well as the Eastern Canadian provinces of Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, and Labrador. The East Kingdom is bordered by the Kingdom of Atlantia to the south, and the Kingdoms of Aethelmearc and Ealdormere to the west. Each kingdom is further divided into smaller “chapters” such as cantons, shires, and baronies, which are further described under the newcomer links. The main offices of the SCA are in Milpitas, CA.
The SCA started in 1966 in Berkeley, CA with a medieval themed party attended by a group of college students. They had so much fun they decided to do it again the next year at a public park, but when they approached the park to reserve space, they were told they needed a group name. Marion Zimmer Bradley (author) came up with “Society for Creative Anachronism” on the spot, and the name stuck. The idea spread rapidly and the East Kingdom was born in June 1968, the same year in which the Society incorporated. The East is the second kingdom.
Most practices and meetings are free of charge and require no special clothing, but the majority of events do have an entry fee, and sometimes a separate fee for feast (see the newcomer sections on events and feasts).
The SCA welcomes all people who share our interest in the Middle Ages. We have participants of all ages, racial or ethnic backgrounds, religious affiliations, sexual orientation, level of education, and economic backgrounds. We truly embrace the diversity found in our groups and respect all viewpoints. The only thing expected is an interest in the Middle ages, and a willingness to participate and learn.
We share a dream of daring knights and lovely ladies, of castles and of tourneys, and colorful banners flying. Feasting with kings and queens, attending royal courts, and living the ideals of honor and courtesy, this is what we are about. We do this by learning new arts and skills, by teaching these things to others, supporting the efforts of each other, and treating each other with respect.
My name is Robbie Rose, known in the Society as Unna Rose, a local Chatelaine, which is an officer charged with giving information to those interested in learning about the SCA, and helping newcomers to make connections within the Society. I can point you to various useful resources, answer questions, introduce you to members and even provide basic loaner clothing (we call it garb) and feast gear (plate, bowl, cup, flatware and napkin for meal) for your first dress-up events.
Here are a few resources that would be helpful for you! (Just click the links below)
- The East Kingdom official website features an official event schedule, information about the current royalty (and royal heirs), and information about services available at the Kingdom level.
- This unofficial map can get you started in learning the geography of the SCA. Note that while it has boundaries for all of the known kingdoms, it does not have complete information on branches below the kingdom level.
- Facebook is an unofficial but popular site where members share photographs and status of their various projects in process, recommendations, and general chatter. Join our local SCA chapter group and like our Facebook Page. You are also welcome to join any of the other local groups regardless of your residence. It is also worth noting that Facebook has hundreds of SCA special interest discussion groups with content you may find interesting.
- The Shire of Owlsherst also maintains an email discussion list. You must sign up via the website but once your membership has been approved, you will be able to post via email.
Please pardon the deluge of information, and any duplications. We have much more information to share. I hope to hear from you soon!
In Service to the Dream,
Unna