The Society for Creative Anachronism

The SCA is the largest and most recognized medieval “living history” group in the world, with nearly 30,000 members all across the world. Whether you’re eager to try your hand at calligraphy, courtly dancing or armored combat, or just spend a day in the atmosphere of a medieval tournament, this is the place to start. (Many local chapters provide free demonstations for elementary and middle schools — contact the public relations officer, or chatelaine for details.)

Forest of Dean Falconry

Falconry (that is, raising and flying live birds of prey) was considered one of the greatest knightly sports — as prestigious as jousting and sword-fighting! This site gives you details on how you can spend the day “hawking” like the knights of old, and provides a wealth of historical information on the sport of falconry. You can even “adopt” a Harris hawk if you like.

National Jousting Association
The International Jousting Association

If you turn on ESPN and see armored knights on horseback, complete with on-screen averages and color commentary — these are probably the people behind the action. Their goal is to revive this knightly sport as a modern-day athletic event.

Conquest: Anglo-Norman Living History Society

This British society is dedicated to re-creating a unique period of history when the Kings of England also ruled nearly half of France — from 1066 (the time of the Norman Conquest) to 1220 (the time of Magna Carta) — and when the knightly concept of chivalry was born. This website has some wonderful resources for students and educators, including on-line texts of the Song of Roland, the Poem of El Cid, several interesting timelines that display the shifiting loyalties of medieval knights, and excerpts from period chroniclers like Peter of Blois. (There are also lots of great photos and streaming movies of past “battles.”)

The International Marie de France Society

Serious scholars who examine and perform (or sponsor performances of) the Lais as they were originally intended to be enjoyed. There are also some audio CDs available — a great way for students and classrooms to experience chivalric lore in the tradition of the medieval troubadours.

What is a Renaissance Faire?
Find a Renaissance Faire near you
Currently running Renaissance Faires

A Renaissance Faire is a great place to spend a weekend, as well as a delightful way to discover the concept of living history. With entertainment, food and shopping, you may not even realize that you’re learning something about history — which makes it a perfect place for a class field trip, or a Saturday outing with the kids. There are nearly 200 “Ren Faires” throughout the U.S. and Canada each year, and these sites explain what they are, how to find one near you and how to get the most out of your visit.

Medieval Times Restaurant

Are you looking for dinner and a joust? The Medieval Times restaurant chain (there are eight locations nationwide — one in Canada) puts on a great show, with horsemanship, swordfighting and jousting. The website also has video footage of how they train their knights and horses, and provides information on how to make reservations at the show. Each of the “castles” also offers special behind-the-scenes tours for student groups — contact them about setting up a field trip.

The Richard III Society

One of the most famous (and controversial) medieval Kings of England is the target of serious and engaging living history study. From Shakespearean stage performances to tours of England to investigations of the murder of the “Princes in the Tower,” this group offers many ways to experience medieval history. (The site has a wealth of resources and lesson plans for teachers — maybe your students can solve the Princes’ murder or put on a scene from Shakespeare’s Richard III!)

The Adrian Empire

This national medieval re-enactment society focuses on the period between 1066 (the Norman Conquest of England) and 1603 (the death of Queen Elizabeth I). Adria is probably the best-known “live steel” re-enactment society, meaning their warriors fight with (blunted) metal weapons rather than wooden practice weapons.

The Knighthood, Chivalry and Tournaments Resource Library

A very intelligent and in-depth examination of the medieval culture of romance, chivalry and tournaments presented by a researcher who has spent a lot of time forging, wearing and using his own suits of armor. The essays on chivalry and the knightly virtues reinforce the concept that chivalry is just as valid today as it was in the Middle Ages.

The Writings of Sir Guillaume

In his books We Are Not Amused, Sir Guillaume! and Here Comes the Reign, Sir Guillaume! as well as various articles and audio CDs, the author takes an irreverent, humorous and insightful look at both the Middle Ages and life in a living history club. There are quite a few valuable lessons in chivalry and ethics scattered amongst the laughter.