Society for Creative Anachronism

The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is an international non-profit educational organization dedicated to the research and re-creation of pre-seventeenth century skills, arts, combat, and culture. It provides opportunities for members to engage in immersive experiences of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, enhancing their understanding of history through hands-on activities.

History

The SCA was founded in Berkeley, California, on May 1, 1966, as a medieval-themed party to celebrate a friend's graduation[1][3]. This initial event, known as the "First Tournament," laid the groundwork for the organization's growth. The SCA was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1968[4].

Activities

SCA activities span a wide range of arts and sciences from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, including:

• Combat and Martial Activities: Members participate in armored combat, fencing, and archery. These activities are conducted with safety protocols in place to replicate historical techniques without causing harm[4].
• Arts and Sciences: Participants learn and practice various crafts such as calligraphy, cooking, armor-making, metalworking, music, dance, and fiber arts[3].
• Events: The SCA hosts numerous events each year, including tournaments, feasts, royal courts, and historical reenactments. These events are designed to be participatory, allowing attendees to engage directly with the culture and practices of the period[2][3].

Structure

The SCA divides its global community, known as the "Known World," into twenty regions called kingdoms. Each kingdom is governed by a monarchal system where monarchs are chosen through tournaments. Local groups, such as cantons, shires, and baronies, organize activities and events[3][4].

Membership

Membership in the SCA is open to anyone interested in historical re-creation and includes benefits such as access to newsletters, event discounts, and voting privileges[2]. The organization has over 30,000 paid members worldwide and is recognized for its inclusive community[2][3].

Mission

The SCA aims to recreate the culture and practices of pre-seventeenth century Europe, focusing on both the practical skills and the chivalric ideals of the time. Members develop personas and engage in activities that reflect their historical counterparts, creating an immersive experience of life as it "should have been" during the Middle Ages and Renaissance[5].

[1] https://welcome.sca.org/about/ [2] http://www.sca.org [3] http://www.sca.org/about/ [4] http://www.sca.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/MarketingFlyer-2side.pdf [5] https://www.duncarraig.net/index.php/newcomers/newcomers-information/introduction-to-the-sca