16th Century Russian Clothing
This class will cover men and women's clothing in the 1500's - different styles according to class and will look at the question of "Are Sarafan's Period?"
Speaker: Kseniia Nikolaeva doch'

Adapting Early Irish Poetics for the Modern Recreationist
Amergin, one of the earliest af the recorded poets of Ireland, is known for three distinct poetic pieces that have influenced modern poetry in a variety of ways. This class will examine the three pieces and students will be asked to create modern examples of the styles.
Speaker: Tim Jennings

Arthurian Legends
Who was King Arthur? How did he come to be one of the most popular heroes in Western culture? This course will start with a look at the historical Arthur, then move through 1000 years of the development of the legend.
Speaker: Heather Dale

Astronomy
People in the Middle ages relied heavily on the stars for navigation while travelling, for the planting of crops, and changes were viewed as prophetic omens. Take a few moments to learn about how the changes in the heavens affected people's lives
Speaker: Francois van Heerden

Basic Stone Carving (2 hours)
We will be carving soapstone with files, knives and chisels. Participants will have a piece of soapstone to work on and bring home. There will be examples of completed and "in progress" projects including a drop spindle whorl, and a ram figure.
There is a materials fee of $4 for this class.
Speaker: Davin de la baliene

Bodices and Corsets
Construction ideas. How to make a Tudor corset and Bodice in the 1530's style.
Speaker: Catherine Ollerhead DeSantis

Books, Articles, and Research
This class will examine the great mystery of the modern era -- how you find things in a library.
Speaker: Amy Menary

Byzantine Jewelry (2 hours)
Students will learn period jewelry making techniques, period design elements and basic silver metalurgy. They will then each make a pendant in period style to keep.
There is a materials fee of $5 for this class.
Speaker: Tom Telford

Calligraphy (2 hours)
The word "calligraphy" is constructed from the Greek language, meaning "beautiful writing". And indeed it is! Students will be introduced to the history of medieval calligraphy, instructed in the basic principles, and then given the opportunity to try some starter techniques and scripts hands-on.
Speaker: Zahra

Ceramics (2 hours)
An introduction to medieval tile-making covering basic clay-working and design inlay. Students will make their own tiles which will be fired offsite and then mailed/delivered. There will be a mailing fee for those who wish their ceramics fired and mailed back.
There is a materials fee of $5 for this class.
Speaker: Larisa Kallaur-Telford

Chainmail - Advanced Techniques (2 hours)
Beyond the basics: mail is the most versatile, flexible armour ever developed.   Able to be shaped to every part of the human form mail can also be the basis for wonderful jewelry.   In this class some different chain patterns will be discussed.   A basic understanding of mail is required.  Bring two pair of pliers.
Speakers: Gary Snyder, Justin Marshall

Chainmail for Beginners (2 hours)
Why was chainmail the ultimate armour for warriors for over a thousand years? So versatile, it is still in use today.   Historical background, 'how to', and 'hands on'.   Please bring two pairs of pliers.
Speaker: Gary Snyder

Children - A day in the life
No description.
Speaker: Margaret Trainor Cook

Children - Basic Stitching
A hands on class in which the children will learn a bit about the importance of stiching in history both for garment manufacture and decoration (needlepoint). Children will use a bodkin and wool to sew together a pouch.
Speaker: Tracy Trombley

Children - Bread and Butter
A hands on class in which the children will be mixing and kneading the dough, and "churning" (shaking) cream into butter. The importance of and history of bread will be discussed. - Allergy alert - Children will be eating what they have made. Those with allergies please check with the instructor before enrolling a child.
Speaker: Tracy Trombley

Children - Dance
Although geared for kids, this class is open to anyone. This class will look at some of the more simple and fun dances done in the SCA. Dances done will depend on the number of people in the class. No previous dancing required.
Speaker: Caroline McLachlan-Darling

Children - Heraldry
No description.
Speaker: Vladislav cel Inalt Tepelus

Children - Herbs
No description.
Speaker: Paddy Gillard-Bentley

Children - Music
Class will start off with explanation of how wind instrumentswork, then move to rhythm and pitch. There will be ample time for the kids to 'play' and make noise. By the end of the hour I'd like to have them playing a simple song. Please bring a recorder or pre-register with a $7 materials fee to allow a record to be purchased for you.
There is a materials fee of $7 for this class.
Speaker: Melanie Burrett

Conquest Era clothing in England
This class will be an overview of colour, fabrics, cut, and construction that made up men's and women's Anglo Saxon and Norman clothing, from head to toe, in and around the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Speaker: Beth Patchett

Crossstitch
This course will give you the basics of cross stitch, including reading patterns. Students will work on a small medieval cross stitch design that can be turned into a pincushion or bookmark.
Class is limited to 15 people.   There is a materials fee of $1 for this class.
Speaker: Rebecca Naugler

Cryptography
Learn about the various means used to protect information from prying eyes - all the way from Ancient Greece right up to the real events behind the trial of Mary Queen of Scots!
Speaker: Peter Westergaard

Drop Spinning for Beginners
Come learn bottom whorl drop spindle spinning. A great hands-on class for beginners where you'll be shown the basics of spinning wool to produce single-ply yarn. You'll leave the class with your very own spindle, wool and handout.
Class is limited to 10 people.   There is a materials fee of $5 for this class.
Speaker: Sarah Hughes

Dueling and the Rapier Culture
An examination of dueling practices in 16th century Europe, and the relationship with styles of rapier combat and the culture surrounding the rapier. The class will also cover a bit about duel formats, legalities, politics, and why you would want to fight a duel in the first place, along with documented examples of duels from the period. Finally we will discuss styles of rapier combat used in duels, and hopefully tie in a bit about teachers, and reputations.
Speaker: Artus Faucon

Embroidery (2 hours)
Covers basic as well as some advanced stitches including setting stones and pierced beads onto fabric. Embroidery hoops are recommended but not required.
There is a materials fee of $3 for this class.
Speaker: Larisa Kallaur-Telford

Embroidery - Blackwork (2 hours)
A demonstration workshop with handout notes in which students have an opportunity to watch and learn how to execute this popular and pivotal form of embroidery. Students are welcome to bring materials so they can emulate what is being taught, but not required. Materials list should include: even-weave linen on which to embroider, gold passing thread or mylar substitute, black filament silks or spun silks or cotton embroidery threads, scroll bar embroidery frame, scissors.
Speaker: Leonora da Liliacea

Fashion Accessories
Acessories were a part of everyday clothing. Why do we so rarely use them? This lecture is an overview of different types of accessories and the general principals in making them so that you too can have that finished looked. Among the things to be discussed are headwear, undergarments, shoes and belts.
Speaker: Danute Dorion

For your eyes only - Espionage and Intrigue
A presentation of some of the most interesting spies, observers, and informants that history has uncovered.
Speaker: Peter Westergaard

Games (2 hours)
This class will provide an overview of the history of games popular in the Middle Ages. The games will be presented in order of development throughout time. For many of the games time will be given to experiment playing. Come and join us for some fun and games.
Speaker: Jim McColm

Herbal Workshop
A workshop on making herbal preparations in medieval style.
Only active participants pay materials fee of $ 3
Speaker: Paddy Gillard-Bentley

Historical Techniques of Armoured Combat (2 hours)
The Academy of European Medieval Martial Arts will provide a 2 hour workshop on the use of the "bastard" or long sword according to the
Italian fighting tradition of Fiore dei Liberi and Filipo Vadi. The workshop will include Basic footwork, Principle stances, Keys to parrying, Cuts and countercuts, Closing and disarms and halfsword techniques. The workshop will be presented by AEMMA Free Scholler Brian McIlmoyle A.I. IMAF, Co-Founder and Principle Instructor of AEMMA. For more information visit http://www.aemma.org
Speaker: AEMMA

Introduction to Rennaisance Dance
From Early Italian Renaissance to English Country In this class I will cover a cross section of fun easy social dances that were done in Europe from around 1450 to 1650.
Speaker: Eric the Peacock

Introduction to reading square notation (2 hours)
Have you ever wanted to be able to look at an original piece of medieval music and be able to sing it? Besides learning to read square notation, this session includes a quick overview of how we learned to read St. Gall notation, a very brief introduction to solfege as it pertains to square notation and, finally, a look at the various problems that one can expect to encounter in most period music.
Speaker: Ann Graham

Introduction to the SCA
So who are the people hosting this collegium?  The SCA is a group of people interested in history.  Come learn more of what else the group does, how widespread it is, how to contact your local group, some of its history and stories.  This class will change depending on who attends but it could also cover:  How to get involved, how the SCA can help your group, ways the SCA works with the schools, politcal structure of the SCA and many other topics.
Speaker: Neil Peterson

Italian for Re-enactors
Practical Italian for the re-enactor. Want to learn how to enhance your rennaissance image? Learn how to really say Italia.
Speaker: Alfredo De Santis

Japanese History of the Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1543-1603)
A look at Samurai armour and weapons featuring Tokugawa Ieyasu, Oda Nosunga, Takeda Shingen
Speaker: Brendan Smith

Japanese Tea Ceremony
This will an actual tea ceremony consisting of people in costume. The class will stand/sit and watch it as it happens. During the ceremony, the teacher will stop every so often to explain what's going on. The class will witness the ceremony and have comentary on it. After the ceremony is finished, there will be a sampling of the tea and foods the ceremony would include.
Speaker: Brendan Smith

Leather Armour
Not all knights had "shining armour". Here's a hands-on look at an alternative to plate or maille -- hardened leather armour, sometimes called cuirboille. Come try your hand at making water-hardened leather armour. We will also discuss other methods such as waxed leather armour, and other uses for cuirboille. Sample projects: Half gauntlet ( hand & wrist armour ), Gorget (neck armour ), bazubands ( arm & elbow armour ), etc. Materials: vegetan leather, preferably about 1/4" thick ( sometimes called saddle skirting or sole leather. ) Cost -- free to watch, free if you bring your own leather, roughly $10-20 materials cost for leather depending on project otherwise. 2 hours, but feel free to drop in for 1 hour if you just want to watch see how it works.
Speaker: Mark Patchett

Life during the Tudor Era
So you want to be a Tudor? What should you know? How to Act and what not to say in order to keep your head about you.
Speaker: Catherine Ollerhead DeSantis

Making Musical Instruments
Instrument making is a delicate art that takes years to perfect, but there are also many simple ones that anyone can make. Come learn the basics of making some simple period instruments and walk away with a period instrument of your own construction.
Speaker: Richard Schweitzer

Medieval Medicine in China (2 hours)
Be introduced to a Brief History of Chinese Medicine as it was practiced in Medieval Asia - and see how much of it is applicable to today's recreationists as preventative therapy and period first aid.
Speaker: Elyse Tera

Medieval hats for modern heads (2 hours)
After a brief look at a few different styles of hats and headresses of Medieval & Renaissance Europe, you will be provided with the patterns & a choice of traditional or modern fabric to make a hat for yourself to wear to festivals, medieval events or every day.
Class is limited to 6 people.   There is a materials fee of $5 for this class.
Speaker: Jo Duke

Middle Eastern Dance for beginners (2 hours)
This class is intended to show some of the more basic movements in Middle Eastern dance, giving the beginner a basic view of muscle movement and rhythm interpretations showing how easy and fun it is. The basic steps and exercises will be demonstrated and discussed, as will the origins of Middle Eastern Dance. There will also be some discussion on "dress" when dancing.
Speaker: Mohasaba

Norse Ironworking
Iron in the Viking Age - Smelter to 'S' Hook
Just exactly is iron? Where does it come from? How was it produced - and then worked into tools, hardware and cooking implements by the Norse? Join Darrell Markewitz, professional blacksmith and expert in the Viking Age, in a lecture illustrated with slides that will cover the technical and the practical.
Speaker: Darrell Markewitz

Norse Tool Time
This class will examine the tools available to Norse craftspeople, how tools were made and their use. An overview of the technology of the time, this class will survey archaeological finds from Mastermyr, Staraja Ladoga, York and Bygland Morgedal, as well as written and pictoral evidence.
Speaker: Dave Cox

On Being an Elizabethan Gentleman
An in persona talk on the qualities of an Elizabethan Gentleman, touching upon the history, culture, and world view of the English in the later part of the 16th Century.
Speaker: David Stamper

Papermaking (3 hours)
Papermaking is an ancient craft, first practiced in China almost 2000 years ago, and it reached Europe about the 11th or 12th century. This 3 hours practicum will include all supplies and equipment needed. Although the class is limited in size, non-particpating observers are welcome.
Class is limited to 6 people.   There is a materials fee of $20 for this class.
Speaker: Audrey Hollinger

Pavillion Making (2 hours)
Come and learn some of the trials, tribulations, and joys of building your own pavillion. Lots of photos of details and a lively discourse on what to do and not to do, short cuts and modern ideas to make the medieval practical. Good for anyone who has ever made a pavillion or has only dreamed of owning one. We hope to encourage active participation from those attending the class.
Speakers: Danute Dorion, Brian Dorian

Pets
Horses were for riding, Cattle were for food. Falcons were for sport, sheep were for... ?? Big dogs were for hunting and small dogs were for protection?? Come and meet Lady Sara and Lady ZeeZee and find out all they can teach you about the usual and unusual pets of the past.
Speaker: Ealasaid Loginach na Kildare

Pretty Books - Illumination
How Illuminated Manuscripts were Created and How We Can Recreate Them Today With Modern Materials.
A lively discussion on what went into the creation of medieval manuscripts from paper to bindings and the methods used to recreate the look and feel with modern materials.
Speaker: Kelly Carney-Garlow

Printmaking (2 hours)
The 'high resolution graphics' of production printmaking in the early Renaissance. What is wood engraving? The points of difference between block printing and wood engraving, brief history of the technique and means of pressing.
Speaker: J Caz Bentley

Pronouncing Old Norse
Beginning with the alphabet, and progressing to a few simple phrases, the class will give the student a feel for the sound of Old Norse, as based on Old Icelandic (1200 to 1900).
Speaker: Ragnheithr Thorbjarnarsdottir

Quarterstaff
We will take the section on staff combat from an early 17th century combat manual, and together attempt to puzzle out what he means, by discussing the techniques and trying out our interpretations. Swetnam (the author) claims his methods are applicable to anything from a 7-12ft staff to an 18ft pike.
Speaker: Daniele di Padola

Reading the Tarot
Want next weeks winning lottery number? SO DO I! This class won't teach you about the future, but it will provide a brief history on the use of Tarot cards, and a lesson in how to read them.
Speaker: Maddelena bala Kameskro

Roles of Women in Norse Society
When we think of Vikings, we tend to think of big barbarian men running around raiding and pillaging. What about the women left behind on the shores of their homeland?
Speaker: Karen Peterson

Saxon History
This class is centred around creating an Anglo-Saxon living history group. We will discuss life in an Anglo-Saxon village, that will include amongst other things, pottery, tent making, Saxon wooden buildings (ie. West Stow), clothing and Anglo-Saxon law.
Speaker: Foote the Potter

Scottish Life
Come and join us for a look into the life of the Scottish Highlander and his wife. Lady Ealasaid and Laird Aonghas McLeod will be pleased to receive you and regail you with stories of life in their humble home, Dunvegan Castle. It will be a time of quiet conversation (unless the neighbouring clans get uppity or the English choose to pay a call. In that case it may get a little noisy. One can never be too careful, their spys are everywhere!!!)) We look forward to sharing our time and lives with you.
Speaker: Ealasaid Loginach na Kildare

Ship Models
The Boatbinder tells of the tools, materials and methods used to build the annual Ealdormerean tribute ship
that is committed to the flames on the waters at Pennsic, in memory of our departed kin. Not an authentic scale model, but still an interesting miniature (five feet long) of a Norse vessel.
Speaker: Gary Snyder

Siege Attack Weapons - Theory and Practice
In this class, we will be introduced to the four basic types of siege attack weapons - the belfroi, the catapult, the ballista, and the trebuchet. We will discuss the technical benefits and shortfalls of each, and find out where to use these marvellous machines. Each person will build a model catapult, and the class, clan McUs, will begin a siege against a castle held by clan McThem using our new weapons of war.
Class is limited to 10 people.   There is a materials fee of $2 for this class.
Speaker: Jerry Penner

Silver Point Drawing
Ever wonder what the artists of the medieval period drew with? The opportunity to experiment with Silverpoint techniques, a brief history of the technique, preparation of paper, and related topics.
There is a materials fee of $3 for this class.
Speaker: J Caz Bentley

Superstitions
Weather, earthquakes, comets, trolls, black cats, witches: people in the Middle Ages lives filled with superstitions. Learn what were the common, and some not so common, superstitions; what prompted them and how have they continued up to modern times
Speaker: Francois van Heerden

Textiles
Reconstruct the look and feel of textiles in early Northern Europe by examining archaeological evidence. This session is an introduction to some important finds and includes discussion of thread count, fibres, dyes and weaves.
Speaker: Beth Patchett

The Art of the Fletcher II
Traditional looking arrows from modern materials A practical class on making arrows with examples of how to use modern and traditional materials to make medieval looking arrows. If you wish to work on a set of arrows for yourself, please bring your own shafts and full length(~9-12"), full height feathers.
Speaker: Marcus Burnham

The Baltic Crusade
A crusade unlike the others, it was an expansion of Western Europe into the East. The Wild West has its beginnings in the east as the civilized peoples of the Western Europe moved against the tribes of the Eastern Europe.
Speaker: CANCELLED

The Culture of Courtly Love: Who, What, When/Where, Why (or Why Not) and How
Whether "courtly love" was actually practiced in the Middle Ages, or was the stuff of medieval fiction, there seem to be some clear guidelines for how it was meant to be practiced (at least in theory) and who was meant to be involved. Frequently these conflict with our modern sensibilities and understanding. Discover the features and drawbacks of medieval noble life that made this pursuit seem desirable, or even necessary to sustain existence!
Speaker: Roselyne de l'Estrangere

The History of the Rom (Gypsies)
Brief history of the Rom from India on, with some discussion as to timelines and countries visited. If time permits, there will be a discussion on culture and clothing.
Speaker: Karina Bates

The Mysteries of Henna Unveiled
A discussion on the history and many uses of henna for the first 1/2 hr . Starting with early Egyptian use to today's. Then we will learn how to best apply henna to the body, how to keep the stain longer, what designs to use, and discuss what types of henna are available to day.
Limited to 10 active people.
Materials Fee $ 5
Speaker: CANCELLED

The Real Braveheart
Made popular by Mel Gibson's film "Braveheart", the Scottish Wars of Independence at the turn of the 14th century have enflamed the patriotism of Scots everywhere.   But what *really* happened? This course will take a madcap romp through the political situation of the time, and make comparisons between history and Hollywood.
Speaker: Heather Dale

The Role of the Bard in Celtic Society
The Bard, in Celtic cultures, held a distinct place of honour and responsibility. The class will examine this role and discuss its implications for the modern recreationist.
Speaker: Tim Jennings

The history of Embroidery
A lecture discussing the technological and design evolution of embroidery from some of the known pieces from the Norse/Saxon Dark Ages era through Victorian. Equipment, fibres and techniques will be discussed as well as the economic and social status of professional embroiderers throughout the ages, with details as to the rise and fall of the trade. Reproduction examples as well as pictorial displays will augment the lecture.
Speaker: Leonora da Liliacea

Timber Framing (7 hours)
This course is an excursion into early medieval timber framing. It is based on a timber building at West Stow in England. There will be some simple joint work and assembling of frames and the entire structure. The course may take place outdoors if the weather permits. Interested individuals should be prepared to get dirty, sweaty and tired.
Please wear work clothes and steel toed boots/shoes.
There is NO fee for attending this class.
Speaker: Ken Cook

Tudor Clothing
An overview using slides of Tudor Clothing from 1509 to the 1550s. An open discussion of styles, problems, and ideas for re-creation of the gowns.
Speaker: Catherine Ollerhead DeSantis

Vocal Projection
Learn how the entire vocal system works, from the soles of your feet to the top of your head. This "hands-on, breathe-in" course will explore common vocal concerns and help you free your natural voice. Of interest to bards, singers, storytellers, and field/court heralds. Wear non-restricting clothes if possible.
Speaker: Heather Dale

Warp Weighted Loom (2 hours)
Designed for the novice with little or no weaving experience, this session is a hands-on introduction to the warp-weighted loom. Participants will be supplied with materials and a loom to complete a small woven project during class. Discussion will focus on historical context and technical concerns. There is no materials fee, but interested students may retain their looms at cost.
*** Preregistration for this class is strongly recommended. ***
Speaker: Anne Cox

White Ruffs, Black Turtlenecks - Development of the English Sonnet
Were you taught that there were three types of sonnets: Italian, Shakespearian and Spenserian? If so, this may prove an eye-opening experience as we take a look at how the Elizabethans perceived the sonnet. Starting with a very brief history of the development of the sonnet style and its adaptation into english, we will go on to look at examples of some of the more experimental styles.
Speaker: Ann Graham

Contact us if you have any questions or suggestions