For People Interested, and the Newly Joined
Who Do I Contact?
In the SCA, there's a special office called "Chatelaine" just for welcoming newcomers. These people can
tell you all about the SCA, get you started on making your own medieval garb or find you loaner garb if
you can't get your own made in time (garb is a necessity if you plan on attending any SCA events) and
introduce you to people who are knowledgeable and skilled in your particular areas of medieval interest.
The local Chatelaines for Eastern Ontario: Dame TSivia bas Tamara v'Amberview, Chatelaine@skraelingalthing.com,
Chatelaine for the Barony of Skraeling Althing
The SCA - Who Are We And What Do We Do?:
The Society for Creative Anachronism is a group dedicated to researching and recreating the period
of time between 600 AD and 1600-1650 AD, as it was experienced in Western Europe (minus all the
"nasty bits" like plagues, inquisitions, fleas, rats, famines, etc).
The SCA was started in Berkeley, California in May 1966 by a group of science fiction and fantasy
fans who wanted a theme party. Since then, the idea has spread all over the world. There are
currently over 25,000 people on the official mailing list, but approximately four times that
many regularly participate in Society activities and the number is still growing!
Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
Home page of the SCA - a good starting place to explain who we are, with info on the Society's
activities, contacts and sub-groups.
Events
An SCA event is usually an all-day affair (or at least afternoon and evening) during which
people gather to re-create the medieval era. The object is to strive for as much authenticity
as possible, given modern safety and other considerations.
Activities vary from event to event but most have at least a tournament during which fighting
and/or fencing for honour and rank takes place and an elaborate evening meal called a feast.
There may also be court (where royalty can recognize and honour their subjects and vice versa),
games, arts competitions, demonstrations, dancing and bardic circles (during which the oral
tradition of storytelling, music and poetry is continued).
Events are often held in church halls because they tend to have good kitchen facilities which
lend themselves to food preparation on a grand scale (often 50 or more).
An atempt at pre-1600s costume is required to attend. If you are not a member of SCA Inc there
will be a $4 non-member fee in addition to any site fees.
