Their Majesties recently traveled to the Midrealm to celebrate the SCA’s 50 Year Anniversary celebration. They wished for us to share this missive of gratitude with the Kingdom.
Photo by Meisterin Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen
The once-in-a-lifetime 50th anniversary of the birth of the Society is behind us. But before We turn Our thoughts to the Pennsic War, We would take a moment to thank those gentles who supported Us in this wonderful event.
First and foremost, Our thanks go to Countess Geneveive du Vent Argent. She was Our rock throughout this process, and helped in every stage of planning and execution. We thank our Jewel Herald, Gwendolyn the Graceful, for traveling to far lands with tasks as massive as reminding the Founders that Aethelmearc exists. We thank THL Rosalia for organizing the Aethelmearc camp – We were so glad that the populace and Royal camp were brought together, and we could all be a single Kingdom. We thank Lady Arsalan for her Crown support (literally) and her support of the Crown (figuratively) and for her willingness to play medieval strategy games with His Majesty. There were several gentles who created martial events for the glory of the Kingdom: Master Urho (archery), Master Illadore and Mistress Fredeburg (fencing), Duke Timothy and Don Clewin (heavy), Lady Melodia (thrown weapons), and the entire equestrian community (equestrian). And We would lastly draw the Kingdom’s attention to one who played a critical role for Us, despite not attending the event. Mistress Hrefna Úlfvarinnsdóttir was pivotal to Our success as a Kingdom and as Royals; she is an example of service for all to aspire to.
The hard work of these individuals, and everyone from Aethelmearc who attended the event, made Us look good to everyone in the known world. We thank you all.
Thanks to Mistress Hilderun Hugelmann and THLady Rachel Dalicieux for continued photos and commentary on the SCA 50 Year Celebration.
The SCA 50 Year Celebration opened on Sunday with Countess Diana Listmaker, who hosted the first SCA event, telling the tale of the first event.
Countess Diana Listmaker tells the tale of the first tournament. Photo by Viscountess Elashava bas Riva.
Countess Diana and Astrid at the first event.
Duke Siegfried von Hoflichskeit and Fulk at the first event.
A group of founders joined Countess Diana on the dais. One of them, Duke Master Frederick of Holland (known as Flieg), heralded in the royalty of the Known World, reciting each Kingdom’s lineage in turn.
Duke Frederick of Holland (Flieg) heralds the Kingdoms in with the lineage of each realm. Other founders sit on the dais. Photo by Viscountess Elashava.
There were then demonstrations of heavy fighting and fencing, as well as a procession of people in clothing from many times and places.
Countess Diana Listmaker tells the tale of the first tournament. Photo by Viscountess Elashava bas Riva.
Countess Diana Listmaker tells the tale of the first tournament. Photo by Viscountess Elashava bas Riva.
The processional also included the first same-sex couple to rule a Barony, recently retired Barons of the Barony of Gyldenholt in Caid, Master Giles Hill and Master Giuseppe Francesco de Borgia. Musical entertainment was provided by Wolgemut.
Wolgemut performing at SCA 50 Year. Photo by Viscountess Elashava.
There was also a demonstration of jousting, using lances with balsa wood ends.
Video by Lena Erickson
On Monday, June 20, the Æthelmearc Pas d’Arms was held. This tournament was jointly sponsored by King Byron and Queen Ariella, with Their Royal Majesties of Ansteorra, Gabriel and Sonja. It was originally the brainchild of Duke Timothy of Arindale, who was unfortunately detained by llamas somewhere near Machu Picchu and could not attend.
Our King and Queen proudly held the field for four hours in the hottest part of the day, challenging the entire Known World to test their mettle against Their steely resolve. 30 fighters, some from as far away as Drachenwald and the West, met together in the list. At last, Thervald, squire to Sir Devon of the Midrealm, emerged victorious.
Our own Lady Cynewyn Æthelweardsdohter received a Token of Inspiration from King Gabriel for her enthusiasm during the combat.
King Byron at the Pas d’Armes. Photo by Mistress Hilderun Hugelmann.
Queen Ariella at the Pas d’Armes. Photo by Viscountess Elashava bas Riva.
A support group from Æthelmearc assisted with organizing the Pas d’Armes.
Countess Genevieve, THLady Hara, and Baroness Elizabeth helping run the Pas d’Armes. Photo by Mistress Hilderun Hugelmann..
The Gode Bakery, run by Master Alastar Scott MacCrummin and Maistres Myfanwy ferch Rhiannon with assistance from Maistir Brandubh o Donnghaile, serves meals to hungry gentles.
Maistir Brandubh serves customers at the bakery at SCA 50 Year. Photo by Mistress Hilderun.
Other subjects of Æthelmearc have likewise been enjoying themselves despite the heat.
Lord Ishiyama. Photo by Mistress Hilda
Bryheres Gwendolyn. Photo by Viscountess Elashava.
Their Majesties, THL Ishiyama, and Master Alaric. Photo courtesy of King Byron.
Watch for more SCA 50 Year coverage as the week goes on!
The SCA 50 Year Celebration has begun in the Barony of Sternfeld, Middle Kingdom!
Mistress Hilderun Hugelmann, Baroness of the Debatable Lands, is there and sends us photos of the SCA History display. Each kingdom has a display area with items from banners and crowns to clothing and armor. Let’s begin at the beginning…
The flyer for the first SCA event, organized by (now-Countess) Diana Listmaker.
A sample flyer for the first year’s events. This one dates from March, 1967
Gown worn by Diana Listmaker at the first tournament. She notes that it was made of flannel because she expected to need it for only one tournament, and then use it as a nightgown afterward.
Examples of very early SCA armor.
Early issues of Tournaments Illuminated
Early SCA helmets and a cap of maintenance.
The slideshow below has photos of the historic displays of each participating kingdom.
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There is also a display of historical scrolls. Here are the ones sent by Æthelmearc.
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Various artisans have made works in celebration of the SCA’s 50th anniversary. Perhaps the most impressive is an embroidered history of the entire Society in the style of the Bayeux Tapestry, created by Lady Jadwiga Wlodzislawska of the Middle Kingdom. Years in the making, the completed tapestry is on display at the SCA 50 Year event in the photo below, or you can get an up close look at the tapestry on Lady Jadwiga’s website.
Other artisans have also rendered SCA history in beautiful ways, as shown in the photos below.
Check back over the coming week for more news from the SCA 50 Year Celebration!
There are many areas of SCA 50 Year looking for volunteers and participants. Here are some of the latest postings:
Calling All Homebrewers Across the Known World:
SCA 50th Year Celebration is proud to be hosting a Tavern at the event serving homebrew from across the Known World. We are seeking any and all homebrewed beverages (beer, wine, meads, cordials, as well as non-alcoholic syrups) in kegs or bottles.
If you would like to donate please contact the Special Events Coordinator, THL Tualaith of Sternfeld at foxzgal@hotmail.com or the Tavern Mistress, Baroness Verena Entenwirth at verena@broomstich.com
Persona Competition: Is your persona pretty well perfect in every way?
Then you’re prepared for the 50th Year Celebration’s Persona Competition! This 3-tiered competition (Youth, Novice, and Advanced) offers a venue in which participants may showcase their authentic pre-17th-century personae.
NOVICE LEVEL: for those who have just begun to apply their research to the creation of persona-appropriate items and character. Contestants will undergo five unique challenges throughout the course of the event.
ADVANCED LEVEL: open to those who have made a significant investment in the research & development of an historically accurate personae. Competitors at this level will face eight unique challenges.
YOUTH LEVEL: is designed to encourage our society’s youth to begin persona research at an early age. They will take part in two challenges and complete an activity book before the end of the celebration.
Pre-registration deadline with artsandsciences@50year.org is May 1, 2016. Sound intriguing? We thought so. Rules, requirements and details are coming…but we thought you’d like to know what we’re planning now!
Performing Arts Teachers Wanted:
The SCA 50 Year Celebration is looking for teachers in the performing arts!
Unto the Known World does the Performing Arts Department for SCA 50 Year send warm and joyous greetings! We are actively seeking Master Classes for SCA 50 year! If you believe you have mastery of a Performing Art that you can teach to a group at SCA 50 Year, please tell us what you are willing to share! Classroom space is limited, but we will work to find space for as many classes as we can until May 1. We are actively seeking Very Experienced Performers (VEPs) to teach on these suggested topics: Storytelling
Songwriting
Research for Performers
Performing Artists as Historians
Performing Arts Administration
Performing Arts as Service
Performing in Persona
Creating Better Courts
CD Production
Italian Palio Flag Throwing
Please submit an application if you have another idea for a class you can teach at an expert level. Please fill out this Google Form to submit your application. Other Performing Arts classes that may be considered other than “Master” level should also be submitted through this form, but check the box for “Non-Master Level”. When you teach, you are the pebble that creates ripples that can last for 50 years and more. Thank you for teaching!
Sincerely Yours, Lady Sophia the Orange
The SCA 50 Year Celebration is looking for gentles to teach Youth Classes.
Baroness Cerridwen verch Ioreword, head of Youth Activites, is recruiting teachers for Youth Classes at SCA 50 Year. Be the spark that lights the fire in our youth! Youth classes will be offered starting on Saturday, June 18th from 2-4, then throughout the week from 10-4, with Wednesday being a joint A&S and Youth day. On Saturday, June 25th classes will be offered from 10-2. Teachers, please email children@sca50year.org or complete the form hereAdditionally, if volunteering to teach, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@sca50year.org.
Greetings unto the populace of sylvan Æthelmearc from Dame Hrefna Ulfvarinnsdottir, the Kingdom Historian.
As you may know, the SCA has turned 50, and there is a large event, the 50 Year Celebration, coming up in June 17-27, 2016 in the Kingdom of the Middle to celebrate this milestone. A big part of this celebration includes a History Hall. The event organizers have asked each Kingdom to create a display to be featured in this hall so we can come together and learn about the Kingdoms that make up our great Society.
Their Highnesses Byron and Ariella have charged me with putting together this display, and I am asking the populace to help with this project. I’m looking for the following:
Suggestions on what this display should include.
Volunteers to help design the display.
People to transport display items to and from the event.
Individuals who can help set up and tear down the display.
Possibly volunteers to man the display to answer questions about our kingdom.
Setting up drop off points for items people wish to loan to the display.
I would also like to get an idea of who is planning to attend 50 Year. To help out with this, please join us on Facebook in the group, Æthelmearc Goes to 50 Year Celebration!, which can be found here. This group will allow us to organize our presence through the sharing of information and the making of travel plans. Invite your friends to join today.
The event staff is planning to have volunteers on hand for loading/unloading as well and they will staff the History Hall with docents to help keep an eye on the displays. We are still waiting on some final details from the organizers such as the number and size of tables we will have but we do know that we will have a 20’x10’ space. I have included a FAQ sheet with the information that has been provided so far. It is divided into three sections: What the event organizers are asking for, what they recommend, and what they are providing.
FAQ Sheet (this will also be posted as a document and updated as more info is validated):
Each Kingdom will be allotted a 20 (length) x 10’ (Depth) space located in the Hendricks Power Exposition Hall.
We are asking that all displays include the following:
o A banner or sign displaying the name of the Kingdom
o A large Kingdom device displaying the arms of the Kingdom
o King and Queen Lineage on a large easily readable display
o Pictures or items that are a part of the Kingdom’s history (example: coronets, gowns, casting molds from important items, mantles, old armor, new armor etc.)
o A 10 minute video on the history and traditions of the Kingdom (Please keep videos positive and uplifting, use proper SCA photo release forms and send digital copies of forms to Kelly Magill at questrix@gmail.com)
Recommended but not required:
o Any written Kingdom histories
o Peerage Lineage
o Displays of Kingdom traditions
o Kingdom songs recorded or written for viewing and listening
o Lists and depictions of Kingdom level awards
o Maps of territories, baronies, shires etc.
o All the things that make your Kingdom unique!!
What will be provided by the event staff:
-Half of a jewelry case: 18″ width x 26″ long and 13″ high
-1 or 2 sides of a large poster holder that fits 18 poster board (22×24 in) up to 2 inch depth frames, posters or other items. Because of the placement of kingdoms around the building your kingdom may have 1 or 2 sides available. When our floor diagram is done we will let each kingdom know.
-1 roll of duct tape
-3 ladders will be on site, we will have to share as these are personal ladders.
-2-4 electrical outlets depending on location.
You can reach me at ae.historian@aethelmearc.org or call me at 304-886-1234. I look forward to hearing your suggestions for this project. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
In Service,
Dame Hrefna Ulfvarinnsdottir
Æthelmearc Kingdom Historian
As a part of the SCA 50 Year Celebration, the History Display section is sponsoring a Story Corps project to record interviews on people’s experiences in the SCA. The idea is to preserve our collective history in a storytelling format. Our staff of three can’t possibly canvass the Known World recording interviews, so we need your help.
Download a pdf of the instructions here on how to record and submit an interview. You can use any device from a smart phone to a professional camera. The video files and release forms will get uploaded to a DropBox folder, edited and finally played in the History Hall during 50 Year in June.
Each story or interview should last from 3 to 5 minutes. It’s a brief story, not a lengthy bardic recitation. Some ideas of what we’re looking for in a story:
– how you got started in the SCA
– a particularly inspiring moment
– how you got started with a particular art or science
and so on.
Have a look at the instructions and post any questions in the comments below. You can also contact me or Deborah Hooper or Ethan Dicks directly with questions. You can also email the staff .
Please cross post this message and files as many groups as possible. Thanks in advance for your help!
Cheers,
Gunnar Sigurdsson, OP
SCA 50 Year Story Corps
We bring you info for potential 50 Year Merchants courtesy of our friends at the MidRealm Gazette.
Greetings Potential 50 Year Merchants from Countess Kenna, your Merchant Coordinator!
SCA 50 Year Celebration will be here before you know it. This is your introductory information to the wonderful world of SCA 50 Year Merchanting. We hope to have the best of the best at 50 Year.
Please take time to go through the information provided and please feel free to come up with questions of your own. I hope that in answering many of your questions you will see if your business will align with the needs of SCA 50 Year. Please feel free to send any additional questions to merchants@sca50year.org*protected email*. I will answer them and add the info to the current questions/answer list. I will keep this list updated with new information until the release of the SCA 50 Merchant application package. Look for that October 1, 2015.
Please have your request in by December 20, 2015. At that time, all applications will be reviewed and merchants will be selected. Space is limited so I encourage you to send along websites and pictures of your booth and goods with your application so the team can see your set-up. We will have room for a small number of tent merchants so please let us know if you are tent merchant, bazaar merchant, or are willing to be either. Thanks again for your interest and happy reading.
1. Will 50 Year fit our schedule? When and where is SCA 50 Year going to be held? SCA 50 Year will be held outside of Indianapolis, Indiana on June 17 to 27, 2016. The event is located at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville, Indiana.
2. Since it is in the state of Indiana, where do I go to get a license to sell items in the State of Indiana?
You can find this information at IN.gov and you must register your business online. Since we have limited spaces for vendors, proof of an Indiana sales license will be required.
3. Will everyone who requests merchant space be allowed to merchant?
At this time space is limited. Some folks may be turned away. We will be reviewing the applications and getting a variety of wares for the event. You will be encouraged to send along web addresses and pictures with your application. This information will be added to the site when we coordinate the Merchanting area.
4. What is the sales tax in Indiana and what is taxed?
We have a 7% sales tax across the board in Indiana for all products/items sold. Our only exception is food which is not taxed. Food items that are vended are taxed at restaurants. In the counties directly around the city of Indianapolis, restaurant tax is 8%.
5. Can I bring my merchanting tent?
There will be a very limited number of tent merchants at SCA 50 Year. Most merchants will be housed in two pole barn-type shelters with roofs, fans, and electricity. We will be having a bazaar-type setting for all. At this time, space is limited. We are looking to have about 70 merchant spaces plus a limited number of tent merchants. Please note that is spaces, not merchants. Merchants may wish to purchase more than one space. Folks will need to review their space needs and purchase space to fit the need.
6. What sizes are the merchant spaces as well as the cost of each?
You will be offered a 10×20 space for $50.00 for the event. A 20×20 space will be $75.00 for the event. A 20×40 space will be $125.00 for the event. We will not offer spaces larger than 20×40 with the exception of a few tent merchants. Tent merchants will be billed per square foot. Price will be $5.00 per square foot and you will need to include your ropes with the total amount. Due to the electricity running through the site, tent stakes are dangerous and we will have to make sure you fit within the markings of the electric company.
7. What do I get with the space?
As a bazaar vendor, you will be assigned tables and chairs based on the space you purchase. Please remember that if you want to utilize all your space you should think about using all four sides of your booth area. You can always build up as well. Tent merchants will get a marked-off space only.
8. As a SCA 50 Year Merchant, can we arrive on site early to set up?
Yes, you can. Details for early arrival will be made available closer to the time of the event, but it does appear that merchants will be able to get onto the site on the Thursday before Friday opening. So, at this time, we are looking at one day early for early on set up.
9. When can we officially register?
Registration will officially begin on October 1, 2015. You will need to decide the size of space you will need. We will have options for additional table and chairs for rent. This information will be available closer to registration. The fees for these items will be minimal. We are looking at making the trip as easy for you as possible.
10. Can I put a structure on my bazaar merchant space, i.e. tent, shelves etc.?
Yes, you can, but they have to be free-standing structures and cannot interfere with the ceiling fans in the building. The floor-to-fan height is over 15 feet. Please keep that in mind if you plan on constructing structures. The floor of the barns are concrete, so you can’t use stakes.
11. Can I use the electricity provided?
Yes, you can. Bring your own extension cords and make sure that they are approved for outdoor use.
12. Can I sleep in my merchant area?
Yes, you can if you like. Please work around your space to fit your needs. You can fit a small pop-up tent in your area if it works! Please note that we will be providing security through the week, but we are not responsible for any lost or stolen merchandise. There is a limited amount of space between the barns for tent camping (small period tents, if possible). Your property and the security of it is up to you.
13. Do I have to have a license to sell or vend in Indiana to merchant at SCA 50 Year? Yes, you do. We will be requiring a copy of your license as part of the registration process.
14. What will be our hours of operation?
We hope you can be open from Saturday to the following Sunday at 6 PM, although we do understand if you need to leave early, just let us know. If that is the case, we would rather you leave after 6 PM when the crowds in the area die down. You will be required to be open throughout the event from 10 AM to 6 PM. You are welcome to sell around those hours, but we will be requesting a quiet time after 10 PM. That being said, Midnight Madness will be the exception! We hope to have a Midnight Madness Sale on Wednesday of the event (or Thursday, if the weather is bad). On this date, please open later if you like and try to stay open until at least 11 PM. We do understand that there are events and activities that you may need to close your space. This is fine as this is also your vacation. Please leave a ” I will return at ___” sign at your booth. Enjoy the event!
15. Speaking of weather, what can we do to protect our merchandise?
The barns do not have walls, although the roof and sides are steel and steel beams. You are encouraged to create walls for your booth areas. This will cut down on wind and rain. The booths near the middle of the barns are less likely to be impacted. We encourage all to bring plastic coverings and or lids for tubs and merchandise. Contrary to the song in the early 70’s, it does rain in Indianapolis in the summertime!
16. Can we ship merchandise to the site?
Yes, you can. Staff will accept your packages, but we are not responsible for the security of the packages. They will be housed in a locked area, but again, we are not responsible for the security of your items. Some folks had asked about shipping pods. We have a location for these to be stored near the merchant buildings.
17. Will there be trailer parking/merchant parking?
Yes, I am working with the staff to secure parking for your trailers and cars. This parking will be closer to the merchant area. If you choose to camp in general camping, it will be located in a different area of the site, but still accessible by walking. The event site has paved roads and all areas are within walking distance.
18. Will there be food available on site?
Yes, there will. The food vendors are located directly across the road from the merchant buildings. We will have a variety of foods available serving all day.
This is just the start. I am sure you will come up with many more questions, so please feel free to send them on. Have a Great Fall!
