Introduction to The SCA

The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the study of the history, culture and arts of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The SCA is part of the "living history" movement that you may be familiar with through the American Revolutionary War and Civil War groups. This means that we take a hands-on approach to the study of history. Our members learn about the history of the Middle Ages and Renaissance through selectively recreating aspects of life from the period.

The SCA was founded in 1966 in Berkeley, California by a group of college students who staged a tournament in one student's backyard. Since then the group has grown into an international organization, with members and local groups throughout the world.

In the context of the SCA the world is divided into Sixteen Kingdoms. The Kingdom of the East includes Delaware, New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, eastern New York, New England, and the Canadian provinces to the north of that area. The East Kingdom is then further divided into about 100 regional and local branches. The local group is called the Barony of Carolingia, and includes the Canton of Aschehyrst .

The SCA holds social functions such as tournaments and feasts where our members attempt to re-create the ambiance and practice the arts and sciences of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. We wear historically accurate clothing, eat food prepared with recipes used during the period, play the music, dance the dances, and practice the forms of fighting done in Europe prior to 1600 AD. Other area of research include spinning, weaving, dyeing, needlework, jewelry, brewing, herbalism, candle making, heraldry, theater, games, juggling, calligraphy and illumination, leatherworking, metalworking, and woodworking.

Membership in the SCA is open to everyone who has an interest and desire to learn more about the lifestyle and customs of the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, and who is also willing to abide by our rules and customs. While membership is not required to attend events, if you do decide to become a member you will receive a subscription to the monthly newsletter of the East Kingdom, and the quarterly Society-wide magazine, Tournaments Illuminated. For your convenience, a membership form is available here.

The local branch meets approximately once a month and everyone is welcome to attend. For more information contact Rosa Di Oro, the Seneschal for the Canton of Aschehyrst.