The SCA Then and Now: How An Tir Has Evolved

Join us for a panel on how the SCA has evolved over the last half century, and how we would like to develop in the centuries to come. Since Diana Listmaker first hosted a crazy party in 1966, a lot has changed both inside and outside the current middle ages. Internally, we’ve evolved from a plucky group of history nerds protesting the 20th century into a complex international organization with its own rich history and complex social order. We’ve developed a sophisticated martial art, better clothes, and developed a rich tradition of advanced historical research. Recently, we’ve enjoyed an explosion of diversity as we’ve embraced activities like rapier and equestrian, and online communities. At the same time, movements like BLM and MeToo have forced us to think about our own sense of social justice, and how we can navigate the intersection of historical practices and modern attitudes. But what do all of these changes mean? The SCA has grown a lot in 50 years, but during that time what has it gained? What has it lost? To answer these questions, we’re assembling a panel of elders from An Tir and beyond to swap stories, make observations, and to consider what our history can tell us about our future as we try to grow in the face of pandemics, stagnant recruitment, and changing times. We’ll focus mostly on the last 30 years or so, and mostly in An Tir, but we’ll likely touch on other issues, times and places as well. Come take part in a lively conversation about where we are, how we got here, and where we’re going next. Ok