Greetings!
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, we are 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 shires, or 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.
Welcome to the Dream!