A Prow on a Misty Sea
This session examines the history of the Anglo-Saxons and the development of the heptarchy with a special focus on the reputation they developed, and how that reputation has developed over the centuries.
Speaker: Damien Coles

A mixed bag: Pirates and Cross-dressers

The Career of A Scottish Pirate - The Last Speech and Dying Words of John Stewart "The Last Speech" records the testimony of John Stewart, a man executed for piracy in 1721; however, his speech isn't the whole story. Explore the nature of broadsides, piracy, and the legal system of the Scottish Admiralty in 1721.
Tales of Cross-dressing in the Medieval Period This session will blend lecture and story-telling to review cross-dressing in the medieval period and how it reveals more about clothing and how gender was viewed. It will focus primarily on Ulrich von Liechtenstein's In the Service of Ladies, Dietrich von der Glezze's Der Borte, Berengier au Long Cul, Le Roman de Silence, and Le Morte d'Arthur. All of these stories deal with men and women wearing the opposite sex's clothing for different reasons, some for comedy and some for serious matters. My talk for obvious reasons may contain some discussion on sexuality, but if there are young children present I will focus more on the clothing. I will be able to bring some of my own medieval clothing for examples.

Speakers: Samantha James, Debbie Kerkhof

An Overview of the Evolution of Germanic Swordplay
This talk will present the trends in the various schools of German Swordplay from the 13th through to the 16th century. The talk will include demonstrations of various techniques. This is not a hands on class.
Speaker: John Enzinas

Bleaching with Cow dung
First, contrary to the norm for FITP, this is NOT a hands on class, fear not! Having undertaken a year long experiment comparing various methods and materials for bleaching in the Middle Ages, I will share with you what I learned. I really did use some unpleasant materials, such as cow dung, urine, lye, sour buttermilk, and even built myself a mucky kitchen under the deck for the purpose. If you want to medievally bleach your clothing, the fast way or the slow way, this is for you.
Speaker: Wendy Maurice

Bone and Antler Carving (2 hours)
A hands-on course in early medieval bone and antler carving techniques, focusing on knife work. Each student will work on a project of either bone or antler, both materials will be available during the course. This course will also give the students an appreciation of the health and safety issues in bone and antler work, an overview of nature and uses of bone, antler, and other skeletal materials, and the information they need to pursue further carving projects. Carving material will be provided at a cost of $5 each. Appropriate knives will be available for use, and can also be purchased at a cost of $15 each. Bone is a hard material, this course is not suited to children.
Class is limited to 6 people.   There is a materials fee of $5 for this class.
Speaker: Steven Strang

Brief History of Pottery
This is intended to be a brief and biased slide show of interesting and relevant pottery styles up to 1650 AD. The intention is to showcase shapes and colours appropriate for use within the re-enactment community. There are a few surprises and interesting deviations along the way.
Speaker: Karina Bates

Chainmail - Beyond the Basics (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 you will learn how to make the King Chain, French Rope, and Foxtail patterns. A basic understanding of chain mail is required. Bring two pairs of pliers. In addition to more complex patterns with standard rings this session will explore the use of smaller rings and precious metal rings in decorative patterns and jewelry. Bring two pairs of pliers.
Class is limited to 10 people.   
Speaker: Jerry Penner

Chainmail for Beginners
Imagine a shirt made of thousands of tiny metal rings, all linked together to form a cloth impenetrable by sword. Why was chainmail the ultimate armour for warriors for over a thousand years? Chain mail is so versatile it is still in use today. You can see it on divers in shark-infested waters and on the hands of your local butcher. While you learn to knit your own bracelet that you get to take home we'll discuss the historical background of this wonderful armour. Please bring two pairs of pliers.
Class is limited to 10 people.   
Speaker: Jerry Penner

Children: Create your own Shield
Shield decorating for all knights! Suitable for ages 5 and older.
Class is limited to 10 people.   
Speaker: Katie Anderson

Children: Face Painting and Colouring
Face painting and colouring medieval and viking pictures. Suitable for ages 5 and older.
Class is limited to 10 people.   
Speaker: Katie Anderson

Children: Medieval Board Games
A variety of medieval board games and crossword puzzles. Suitable for ages 8 and older.
Class is limited to 10 people.   
Speaker: Katie Anderson

Children: Movie time (2 hours)
The group will watch Brave or How to tame your Dragon - depending on what the group wants. Suitable for ages 8 and older.
Class is limited to 10 people.   
Speaker: Katie Anderson

Children: Playdough Runestones
We will be carving runes out of playdough. Suitable for ages 5 and older.
Class is limited to 10 people.   
Speaker: Katie Anderson

Children: Pottery Puzzles
Archaeologists regularly have to put the pieces back together. Now its your turn! Suitable for ages 8 and older.
Class is limited to 10 people.   
Speaker: Katie Anderson

Costuming Research (1000 - 1800 A.D)
Not sure where to start researching that costume? Come learn how to do research using traditional library search techniques and some not so traditional ways.
Speaker: Amy Menary

Dances from Tudor England (Gresley Dances)
Dating from around 1500, the Gresley dances are the earliest known English dances. Rediscovered in 1996, these are fun, easy dances for groups of two and three. The class will cover the history of the manuscript, a discussion of the reconstruction process and 3-4 of the dances described by the manuscript. No prior dance experience is necessary.
Speaker: Richard Schweitzer

English 16th & 17th Century dances from the Inns of Courts
Dancing in English Law Schools was actively encouraged, and held in such high esteem that it was 'accounted a shame for an Innes of Court man not to have learned to dance, especially the measures'. In this class, students will be guided through several of these easy social dances by reviewing copies of extant student's 'cheat notes'.
Speaker: Marc Collins

European Dance - Cascarde of 16th Century Italy
Looking for a bit fancier footwork? In this class we'll learn a dance that will teach you many fundamental steps. This Intermediate class is suitable for anyone with any prior dance or movement experience.
Speaker: David Learmonth

Food of the Vikings (or what DID Lagertha have in that pot?) !
Join Vandy for a discussion of what is known about viking food and cooking technologies. The session will also cover the menus she created via experimental archaeology and used in her reproductions of Viking foodways at museums and historical sites across North America. Finish this innovative session with a tasting while discussing how recipes can be reconstructed via experiment or invented.
Speaker: Vandy Simpson

Food through Time and Location: particularly the Middle Ages and the Renaissance
A discussion on which food stuffs were available and when during the Middle Age and Renaissance using 6 distinct time periods and places. Come see what was and was not available for nobles to grace their tables. Open discussion encouraged at the end of the presentation.
Speaker: Jean Ross

Gryphon Medieval Brass Rubbings (I)
Brass rubbing is a creative historical art form using Monumental Brass replicas of personages from Medieval Europe, black paper and gold or silver wax. Gryphon Medieval Brass Rubbings have 60 replicas, depicting knights in full armour, kings, queens, lords / ladies in court or religious dress and other costumes, from which you may choose to make a brass rubbing. Each replica has a story to tell and as they say 'a picture is worth a thousand words'. You may take either brass rubbing session. It is not a two hour session.
Class is limited to 15 people.   There is a materials fee of $5 for this class.
Speakers: Colleen Moynham, Alexis Cooke

Gryphon Medieval Brass Rubbings (II)
Brass rubbing is a creative historical art form using Monumental Brass replicas of personages from Medieval Europe, black paper and gold or silver wax. Gryphon Medieval Brass Rubbings have 60 replicas, depicting knights in full armour, kings, queens, lords / ladies in court or religious dress and other costumes, from which you may choose to make a brass rubbing. Each replica has a story to tell and as they say 'a picture is worth a thousand words'. You may take either brass rubbing session. It is not a two hour session.
Class is limited to 15 people.   There is a materials fee of $5 for this class.
Speakers: Colleen Moynham, Alexis Cooke

History TV's Vikings and History's Vikings
The History TV show is quite entertaining and while it has more than a couple of inaccuracies it does blend history and drama in an interesting way. Join Neil for a hour of discussion on the history behind the drama. Be sure to bring your favourite bit and we'll talk about that as well.
Speaker: Neil Peterson

Iconography of Power in the Mediterranean and the Near East

An Image Fit for A King: A Discussion of the Public Iconography of Syro-Hittite Kings The Syro-Hittites empire, which arose after the fall of the Hittite Empire at the end of the Bronze age, were regional empires each of which had their own king. Therefore all the kings could decide how to portray themselves to their kingdom with their highly visible public images. The specific sites that the public iconography of the kings will be discussed at are as follows Aleppo, Sam'al (Zincrili), Kunulua (Ta'yinat), and Carchemish. These public images are reliefs or statutes in the round found in gates and holy places. The image king is often associated with the image of the gods which is shown strikingly by ancient Guzana where ancestor worship took place. All together the images of Syro-Hittite kings show a standard iconographic and ideological system to these regional empires which disappears as these states are taken over by the Neo-Assyrians.
HORSEPOWER This presentation will examine the horses within the Mediterranean over a vast time period. Taking into account the iconographic, religious and ideological functions of horses in various societies this presentation will work to uncover evidence of change in horses over time as well as examine the degree of their ubiquity throughout the Mediterranean.

Speakers: Teresa Wight, Natalia Handziuk

Introduction to Drop Spinning
Learn to make your own yarn and thread the way they did for centuries until the fancy modern technology of spinning wheels took over. Hands-on participants will learn the basics of spinning, some jargon, and where to find more spinning supplies to feed the addiction. No limit on observers.
Class is limited to 8 people.   
Speaker: Karen Peterson

Introduction to Drop Spinning (repeat)
Learn to make your own yarn and thread the way they did for centuries until the fancy modern technology of spinning wheels took over. Hands-on participants will learn the basics of spinning, some jargon, and where to find more spinning supplies to feed the addiction. No limit on observers.
Class is limited to 8 people.   
Speaker: Karen Peterson

Introduction to Glass Bead Making (2 hours)
This class will cover the style of bead making known as Lampwork. A history of bead making, their uses, and trade. The modern process of lampworking to make a bead will also be demonstrated. This session is restricted to those aged 16 or older.
Class is limited to 6 people.   There is a materials fee of $5 for this class.
Speaker: Rob Schweitzer

Introduction to Tablet Weaving (2 hours)
This is a hand's on practicum where participants will be taught the basics of tablet weaving. Tablet weaving is a narrow-band weaving technique that is commonly used for belts, straps and decorative edging on clothes. The technique (also known as card weaving) developed independently in a number of countries and has been used for over a thousand years. Participants will learn how to string their own bands and will learn a variety of pattern techniques.
There is a materials fee of $12 for this class.
Speaker: Rob Schweitzer

Introduction to Troubadours
We will be covering some of the theories on the development of the troubadour 'style' and the civilization where it began; looking at a couple of the most famous practitioners of the art (both male and female); as well as listening to some modern interpretations of the music. Attendees should bring paper and pen if they wish to make notes, and the lecture notes (as well as links to online materials and a bibliography) will be available on the FITP website after the class.
Speaker: Melanie Burrett

Juvenile Osteology

In the Arms of the Goddess: Child Sacrifice in the Ancient Near East Child sacrifice is a hotly debated topic in the scholarly community. Since evidence of child sacrifice has been discovered at Carthage and other Phoenician settlements, scholars have begun looking for its context in the ancient Near East. Did fathers and mothers opt to commit infanticide to appease a deity? The sacrifice of young children appears to have spread throughout the cultures of Phoenicia and the Levant as well, creating a larger base for evidence of sacrificial infanticide. Literary works from Rome and the Bible point toward a culture which welcomed child sacrifice as a part of ritual for the peoples of the ancient Near East. There are archaeologists who oppose this viewpoint, turning to skeletal remains for a more accurate picture of what was really occurring in these cemeteries. Despite their efforts child sacrifice was practiced by willing and participating parents who committed infanticide for ritual purposes.
In a Bind This presentation gives a brief summary of the practice of artificial cranial deformation, also known as headbinding, before doing a thorough examination on the phenomenon as it appears in the Americas. This presentation will cover the types of headbinding in Peru and Mesoamerica, as well as how they are produced. It will also investigate the reasons for this cultural practice, and how the deformations altered the rest of an individual's body. Finally, the presentation will conclude with a quick summary of how one can identify artificial cranial deformation on skeletal remains, and what to look out for to avoid misdiagnosis

Speakers: Jessica McGinn, Aaron Fehir

Late 16th Century Men's Costume
This class will consist of a general overview of men's fashion in the second half of the 16th c. It will examine the various elements of men's costume and how they go together. The class will refer to period portraiture, illustration and extant period costuming books.
Speaker: David Stamper

Lies, Damn Lies, and Viking Pseudohistory
Second only to the Knights Templar the vikings seem to be hounded by conspiracies, forgeries, and fakes. When dealing with the public anyone must be ready to discuss these topics at a moments notice - whether the most recent episode of "Vikings" (or when did Uppsala move up a mountain) to having to explain why the Kensington Runestone is a fake. This session will review many of these pieces of viking pseudohistory providing context and background. Apologies in advance if your favorite "truth" turns out not to be so true....
Speaker: Neil Peterson

Making Musical Instruments (2 hours)
This class will examine simple instruments common to the Viking period and Middle Ages and discuss techniques in building them using a variety of period and modern tools and techniques. For those interested in making a few simple instruments on site there will be a materials fee.
There is a materials fee of $2 for this class.
Speaker: Richard Schweitzer

Meaningful Scratches
A hands-on course in Runic and Ogham writing. The Runic alphabets were the local forms of writing in the Viking, Anglo Saxon and other Germanic cultures. Ogham was an alphabet peculiar to the Celtic inhabitants of the British Isles. Both were developed to be written with a knife rather than a pen. Participants should bring a small, sharp, single-edged knife, wood will be provided and some loaner knives will be available. No woodworking experience necessary, but children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Class is limited to 10 people.   
Speaker: Steven Strang

Medieval Games People Play
Following a brief talk on history and rules, visitors are invited to pair up and start a game. Alquerque, Hnaefatafl, Nine Man Morris, Fox and geese,[two versions], and Tablot boards will be available. Instruction sheets, boards, glass pieces and dice will be provided. Game sets can be bought at five dollars if desired.
Speaker: Erik Roth

Morris Dancing (2 hours)
In this workshop we will present two styles of Cotswold Morris Dancing. This is a heavy participation workshop. Comfortable footwear is recommended. Styles demonstrated are the evolution of a living tradition of dance in England. Historical traces of the dance include arrest records in the 1300s and carbon dating of the Abingdon Horns to about 1000 years. Morris Dancing originating in the Cotswold wool market towns features steps and style details particular to each village. It was danced to mark the agricultural cycle of the year at various community events, but is now also danced year round. Typically, Cotswold dances feature long sticks or long hankies. We will demonstrate the styles of a few villages and teach you a dance from each of two of them.
Speaker: Roy Underhill

Naalbinding 101
This will be an introductory hands-on class aimed at beginners. Come learn the basics of naalbinding, ( sometimes called single-needle knitting ) a textile craft used in medieval times. We will cover a basic naalbinding stitch you could use to make a hat, socks or mittens. Some wool yarn and a wooden naalbinding needle will be provided, but feel free to bring your own wool yarn and needle if you have either.
Class is limited to 8 people.   
Speaker: Mark Patchett

Naalbinding 102
Part 2 of hands on naalbinding -- this class will cover more advanced stitches and tensioning techniques. We will cover stitches such as Oslo stitch and Mammen stitch. Some naalbinding experience, including naalbinding 101 would be an asset, but is not required. Some wool yarn and a wooden naalbinding needle will be provided, but feel free to bring your own wool yarn and needle if you have either.
Class is limited to 8 people.   
Speaker: Mark Patchett

Norse Stamped Jewellery (2 hours)
This class will be about Norse stamped jewellery. Participants will learn and discuss various topics regarding this unique form of jewellery found in abundance in Norse-era silver hoards. Photos of various well documented silver hoards such as the Cuerdale Hoard, the Huxley Hoard, the Vale of York Hoard, the Harrowgate Hoard, the Wieringen Hoard and others will be examined with special attention given to the styles, motifs and patterns used in these extant examples of stamped jewellery. We will also discuss the importance of silver as a trade commodity in the Norse-era. Participants will have a chance to examine some contemporary examples of stamped jewellery, the stamps used to make them and receive instruction on the process of making this style of jewellery and the stamps used in the process. Participants will then have an opportunity to make their own stamped bracelet or amulet using copper sheet. Tools, safety glasses and materials will be provided - participants are not required to bring their own, unless personal safety glasses are preferred. Please wear natural fibre clothing (i.e. cottons, wool, etc.) as a propane torch will be used to anneal the projects. Participants are warned that this class will involve working with potentially high temperature metal. Notes for this session are posted (handout, stamps, presentation).
Class is limited to 10 people.   There is a materials fee of $5 for this class.
Speaker: Sam Falzone

North American Archaeology and Indigenous Populations

The Archaeological Potential of a City Street This presentation will cover the history of a city neighbourhood in Toronto, Ontario. It will outline its development and significance to Canadian History. It will then go on to outline how this contributes to the property's archaeological potential and why this is important.
An Upright Woman: Nahnebahbwequay Through this report on the Archaeological potential of the Cobble Beach Golf Resort located just outside of Owen Sound, ON is researched. Through this research the former occupants of the land are discovered and investigated, with special attention being paid to Catherine Sutton. Catherine Sutton was a Native American woman who fought for Native American Land Rights and is regarded as a national hero.
Iroquoian Women and Society in the Ninteenth and Twentienth Centuries This presentation will examine the European influence on native gender roles in the evolving culture of the New World.
Pocahontas: an intermediary between two worlds Since "twelve or thirteene yeeres of age" Pocahontas travelled between her home and the colony, saving its inhabitants from starvation on separate accounts. Few other indigenous were able to experience both worlds and even fewer participated in an interracial marriage. Pocahontas is a unique historical figure who was transformed by European contact as much as her homeland. However the benefits of this interaction were largely one-sided. She is a symbol of the early unbalanced interactions between the indigenous and colonists. Pocahontas was used as an advert for the colony and potential of the New World in England. She was a useful trophy for the Virginia Company to display their success. Pocahontas became an intermediary between Europeans and indigenous peoples; however through the mainly one-sided relationship she was an instrument exploited by first the colony, and then the Virginia Company in London to advertise the success of Christianity, and the ability to civilize the 'savages' of the New World.

Speakers: Katie Anderson, Hillary Weppler, Alex Gabauer

Persona and Living History - A Round Table
There can be a number of ways individuals can take their interest in history and clothe it as a means of illustrating the past. For many, developing and equipping a character based on history is the method chosen. How * do * you create, then portray a 'voice from the past'. What works, and what does not? Join a select panel of experienced living history re-enactors who will discuss their experiences. Questions from the audience will form the basis of the conversation.
Speakers: Darrell Markewitz, Steven Strang, Karina Bates

Re-enactment and Education
Join Dr. Darrin Cox, Dr. Alicia McKenzie, and Darrell Markewitz for a roundtable discussing how medievalism and re-enacting can be used in an educational context. This lively discussion will be happy to take your questions and will also look at the good and the bad of integrating such elements into the classroom and museum environments.
Speakers: Dr. Darrin Cox, Darrell Markewitz, Alicia McKenzie

Round table on sources for Viking Age textiles
I'll bring my stuff, you bring yours, and we can discuss the relative merits of different sources, and types of sources, how to evaluate specific sources, and how to use diverse assortments of materials to arrive at coherent reconstructions. Bring your active projects, if you can, or things you've seen and are curious about.
Speaker: V.M. Roberts

Stepping Into the Void: The tools, trials, and dangers of re-enactment based learning
'Reenactments rescue the study of the past from being broad, meaningless, passive experiences and make the past relevant, valid, and real. Through reenactments, the past becomes prologue to the present.' - Thomas Turner. It should come as no surprise that reenactments are fun and help us learn about the past. Employed systematically re-enactment also has significant potential as a tool for enabling learning and change in individuals, groups, and academia, and society. This session will combine a facilitated discussion of the tools, trials, and dangers of reenactment based learning coupled with a hands on exercise. This approach is intended to enable participants to appreciate, enjoy, and employ these learning processes thoughtfully and effectively.
Speaker: Nicholas Cioran

Tablet Woven Artefacts
This session will provide an historical overview to the various techniques used in tablet weaving. The analysis of artefacts and their re-construction will also be discussed. Participation in the Introduction to Tablet Weaving practicum or a knowledge of weaving terminology is useful, but not essential for this class.
Speaker: Rob Schweitzer

Textiles 202: Historical Dress Design From the Ground Up
Further exploration of tailoring of Viking Age and Early Medieval Clothing using archeologists drawings as the basis for creating your own patterns. A partial repeat of last year's session: we will look at the cut and construction of clothing from Northern Europe and Greenland prior to the 16th Century and at the economical use of fabric to make fitted garments with very little wastage. This year, we will work on patterns for coats and hoods from finds dating from the 14th/15th Century in Herjolfsnaes and London, starting with an archaeologists drawing and ending up with a full sized pattern that should fit.
Speaker: Jo Duke

The Greeks and Their Art

Masks, Murder, and Magic: An Orestilian Reading of Harry Potter In the epigraph to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J. K. Rowling includes a passage from Aeschylus' the Libation Bearers. Using this passage a starting point, this study explores the Harry Potter series through the interpretive framework of the Oresteia. It notes several poignant parallels in both series: first, the contextual importance of the passage as a turning and liminal marker in the plot; second, a definition of surface and metaphorical intertextual episodes; and third, thematic similarities and differences between the protagonists. It concludes with the argument that Harry, like Orestes, was destined to end the generational conflict warring in his house.
Chaos and Culture This presentation will examine the classical sculpture on the temple of Zeus at Olympia and its contribution to the inference of classical culture.
Depictions of Zeus in Archaic Pottery Within Archaic Greece, the mythological god Zeus begins to appear more frequently across a variety of mediums as society progressed towards the Classical era. Pottery specifically, is an exceptional marker for highlighting this trend and understanding the iconography and ideology associated with the depictions of Zeus. Contemporary art had a great effect on how artists presented Zeus, particularly in relation to representations of the goddess Athena, Zeus' daughter. Social ideals of the time period, which are reflected in other artistic mediums, can be seen as a possible influence on the illustrations of the god. Through cross-comparisons of historical text and depictions of the god, it is possible to map this movement and determine the reasoning behind his portrayal.

Speakers: Natassia Lei, Emily Sunarine, Jenna Lemay

The Medical History of Richard Third
On Feb 5, 2013 In media scum worthy of a Hollywood detective film human remains excavated from a car park in Leicester England were confirmed to be those of the last Plantagenet King of England, Richard III. Though fragile after more than 500 years in the ground the King's skeleton was mostly undisturbed and in excellent condition. We will use Richard's remains to start to build up a medical history of the man as he was 22 August 1485.
Speaker: Catherine Ollerhead DeSantis

To the Hilt: An Examination of the Renaissance Sword Hilt 1460-1600
This class will explore the development of the sword hilt, from the simple cross guard of the middle ages to the complex guards of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. It will examine the various additions to the simple hilt and attempt to put them into context in terms of period swordplay, economics, and society.
Speaker: David Stamper

Try your 'Hand' at Calligraphy
Irish Uncial script uses all capital letters, and was developed by Irish monks from the late Roman 'Rustic' script. It was in use from c.600CE until c. 850CE to copy down the literature and religious texts of most of Western Europe. No supplies are needed for this class.
Speaker: Melanie Burrett

Vikings: Medieval Metrosexuals?
Viking masculinity has largely escaped the Nordic reinvention of the past few decades that turned pirates and mercenaries to farmers and explorers. This lecture seeks to explore a variation of the traditional warrior masculinity of the medieval world by employing a modern stereotype which will hopefully broaden our understanding of the ways some Viking men may have chosen to portray themselves, suggesting that perhaps the metrosexual be added to the short list of things that come to mind when thinking about Vikings.
Speaker: Dr. Darrin Cox

Working an Experiment - 'Turf to Tools' at the Scottish Sculpture Workshop
What goes on when attempting to take our hard earned 'play' with tools and techniques, then turning it into a full fledged experimental archaeology project, at an educational institution, and as a public demonstration? Over 2013, brief conversations lead to the development of a two week special project at the Scottish Sculpture Workshop (an arts based institution near Aberdeen, Scotland.). Although the project is scheduled for August of 2014, this (rambling?) discussion will cover the kind of background work that goes into a project of this type and scale. Certain to be of interest to those wanting to increase the complexity of their own presentations from 'hobby' to (paying?) professional level.
Speaker: Darrell Markewitz

Contact us if you have any questions or suggestions