The Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. (SCA) is an international non-profit educational organization devoted to the study of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance periods (600-1600 AD). It is part of the "living history" movement, which means that members try to reproduce various aspects of the culture and technology of their period, as well as doing more traditional historical research. The SCA sponsors events such as tournaments, feasts, and university sessions where members dress in clothing based on styles worn in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and participate in activities based on the civil and martial skills of the period.

The main focus of most outdoor events are two forms of combat based either on the Armored Chivalric tournaments of the High Middle Ages (Heavy Fighting) or the Rapier Duels of the Renaissance (Light Fighting). Other martial and martial-related activities also take place, such as Archery, Equestrian, Thrown Weapons, and even Hound Coursing!

There are all kinds of things for one to do within the society. Besides combat, period activities range from Bardic performances (vocal or instrumental music) to period Arts & Sciences (such as needlework and dancing). In addition, there are a variety of technical and social skills that help establish the ambiance of life at a period court. Society events are open to the public, but, in keeping with the emphasis on living history rather than dramatic performance, everyone in attendance is asked to make an attempt to preserve the atmosphere and fit in with the SCA's standards of dress and behavior.

The SCA was incorporated in 1968, but counts its years from the first tournament, actually a medieval theme party which was held on May 1, 1966. It also maintains a central heraldic registry and sets overall standards for safety and organizational structure, within which each kingdom works as an independent unit. As of the beginning of 1993, there were about 21,000 members, and nearly 700 local and regional chapters. The SCA divides its "Known World" into regions called Kingdoms. The "Known World" currently includes all the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia. Within each Kingdom are the Local chapters which are known as cantons, colleges, forts, shires, provinces, or baronies, depending on their size and location. We are in the Province of Mooneschadowe (Stillwater and surrounding areas), which is within the Kingdom of Ansteorra (Oklahoma and Texas [except for El Paso]).

Each Kingdom has a King and Queen. The Armored Chivalric combatant who emerges victorious from each individual Kingdom's semiannual "Crown Tournament" is named King (or Queen!) for a period of six months. While the rulers hold executive authority, ongoing administration at each level is entrusted to a civil service of appointed officers, which include: the Seneschal (Business manager), Knight and Rapier Marshals (oversee combat and safety), Hospitaler (PR and new member relations), Chronicler (publishes the chapter Newsletter), Herald (helps with creating authentic names and devices), Reeve (treasurer), and the Arts & Sciences Minister (fosters education).

Almost every weekend there are tournaments somewhere in the kingdom. There will be Rapier, Chivalric, and Archery competitions as well as Bardic and Arts and Sciences. These weekends are for fun and relaxation, a way to escape from the demands of everyday life. So, come join us in yesterday, where you can forget work and be the person you want to be. Bring the children. They (and you) will enjoy learning, playing the games not yet forgotten, the courtly graces, dancing, or performing.

In Stillwater, OK we meet every Tuesday at 7:30 PM at the Stillwater Community Center at 9th and Duck. Please feel free to stop by and see what we're doing. We would very much enjoy your company!

Check out these web pages for more information, and if you have any questions, please let us know!