When asked, “What do you do in your free time?” most answer with a simple, “I play basketball,” or “I watch TV,” or “I practice piano.” If I had a nickel for the number of times people have answered with “I engage in the Society for Creative Anachronism,” I’d actually have one nickel, which is probably more than most other people.
AHS’s very own Mr. Reed has earned me this metaphorical nickel, as he fills his free time with this unique hobby.
The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is a worldwide “living history” organization dedicated to recreating medieval and Renaissance life, roughly from 600-1600 CE. Members explore life, arts, and culture through combat, feasts, music, storytelling, and historical arts.
“I was interested in medieval history when I was a kid, and when I was a teenager, it was suggested that I look for a local SCA group,” Reed said, “I showed up, they welcomed me in, and I got started there.” And the rest is history!
Today, Mr. Reed participates in events with a group based in Grand Junction that also travels throughout Colorado. While the organization is best known for its armored combat, Reed emphasized that fighting is only one part of the experience.
“Not all the events are about the fighting,” Reed said. “Fighting is just one of the many things that we engage in.”
However, Mr. Reed tends to spend most of his time in combat. To focus on replicating Western European medieval fighting, the SCA draws directly from historical manuscripts and manuals.
To prevent serious injuries or death, members wear armor and use wooden weapons as substitutes for steel.
“If you take a hit to the face, even a soft hit, it would be acknowledged as a ‘killing blow,’ because in a real fight, you wouldn’t be wearing the level of armor that we’re wearing,” Reed explained, “We use an honor system, where if you take a hit that’s hard enough to wound you or maim you, you have to acknowledge that.”
Annually, the SCA holds numerous events worldwide, and Mr. Reed has taken part in both smaller local events and larger regional gatherings. One of the largest events in Colorado, drawing several hundred participants, is Battlemoor, held each July just south of Colorado Springs. Other events range from large-scale wars to smaller feasts, where members connect to share music, food, and stories.
For those intrigued by the idea of stepping into medieval history, Reed encourages checking out the SCA, explaining that the organization welcomes newcomers of all levels of experience. “For anyone who’s interested, look up the Society for Creative Anachronism.” Through combat, music, storytelling, and more, the SCA offers a unique opportunity to engage with history beyond the classroom.
Mr. Reed is known for his enthusiasm and curiosity, and he brings the same commitment from the classroom to his involvement in the SCA. It’s safe to say that this dedication earns him a rare, one-in-a-million nickel.
