Medieval Reenactment Society Holds Expo at Science Center

The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) attempted to turn the grassy area in front of the Science Center into a medieval fencing arena during its day-long expo held yesterday.

"We're here to have fun recreating history," said Nathan Kronenfeld '91.

SCA is a medieval reenactment group of about 20 members that has been in existence at Harvard for approximately 30 years. Harvard's chapter is part of the international SCA, which has around 40,000 members.

"We act out parts of the middle ages that we're interested in," said Julia Starkey '97. "I've always been very interested in the middle ages."

In addition to the fencing demonstration, yesterday's event featured medieval drinks, cakes and embroidery. The Johngleurs--a group that plays instruments, sings and dances--also performed at the event.

SCA's purpose is to get people interested in history, Nathan Kronenfeld said. Members of the group said that reenacting history gives a much better perspective than just studying it.

"It's one thing to read about medieval food. It's another thing to actually prepare it and eat it," said Sue E. Kronenfeld '91.

Most members choose a persona, such as a Swedish woman during the Tudor period, and research that type of person. The members recreate the life of their medieval persona at events, according to Starkey.

"Generally, everyone makes their own clothing [for these events]" Starkey said.

Members of SCA were hoping for a larger audience yesterday.

"We've had better attendance than this [in the past], but it's probably the weather," Sue Kronenfeld said.

Individual members of SCA also branch out to do public education on the medieval period in the Boston area.

"If a few people get interested in history, we're happy with that," Nathan Kronenfeld said.

SCA's weekly meetings are held in Dunster House on Mondays at 6 p.m.

Since the Harvard branch of SCA is part of an international organization, many of its undergraduate members continue with the organization after graduation. Local residents are also involved in the club.

Nathan said that he has been involved in SCA since his first year at Harvard in 1988

Nathan said that he has been involved in SCA since his first year at Harvard in 1988