If you are interested in learning more about the Society for Creative Anachronism, there are many great resources on the web.
Here is a brief history from the SCA Newcomer’s Portal :
The SCA is a practical history society, recreating the arts and skills of pre-17th century Europe. While dressed in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, you can experience tournaments, royal courts, feasts, and dancing. You also have the opportunity to learn and practice ancient arts and skills — calligraphy, cooking, armoring, metalworking, carpentry, and needlework (to name just a few) — within an all-ages social group. The SCA is a great place to make friends and learn transferable skills.
The Society began as a graduation celebration for Diana Paxson (Countess Diana the Listmaker) in Berkeley, California on May 1, 1966. That gathering, based on a 19th-century recreation of medieval life called the “Last Tournament,” was the start of new era in research and recreation of the Middle Ages!
From that tournament in California almost 50 years ago, the Society has grown to more than a thousand events happening on five continents every year. From Trenton, New Jersey to Tokyo, Japan, tens of thousands of medievalists (affectionately called “SCAdians”) gather to enjoy the thrill of combat, explore centuries old arts and crafts, learn the skills and virtues of this exciting period of history, and build lifelong friendships with people from all walks of life. Our participants study nearly every facet of life from our period, the world of the Middle Ages before 1601. The Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization based in Milpitas, CA, with affiliate organizations in Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. Many Society activities are free to try or have very small fees for materials or admission and we offer several options for memberships for individuals and families that add benefits to your Society experience.
Interested in becoming a paid member?
Although you are not required to become a paying member of the society in order to participate, paid membership in the SCA has many great benefits :
- Discounted entry fees at most events
- Sustaining/International members have electronic access to every kingdom’s newsletter, along with supplementary publications that include photos, educational articles, and creative works. They can also subscribe to additional publications.
- The ability to hold office and to enter Crown/Coronet Tournaments
- In some kingdoms, membership makes you eligible to receive awards