Welcome to the Shire of Shadowdale

History isn’t just something in a boring book. It’s how we got here. The long and winding path humanity walked down that led us to right now. If you’ve ever been curious about the Middle Ages or the Renaissance, ever wondered what it was like to live during that time, ever dreamed of knights, kings, queens, and noble deeds…then you might just belong with us.

We are the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), and we make history come alive. The SCA is an international organization devoted to the research and re-creation of pre-seventeenth century skills, arts, combat, and culture. We don’t just dress up and call each other “milord” and “milady.” We spend our weekends living in a shared world where chivalry, honor, and the pageantry of royalty are real things you can see, touch and experience for yourself. We create art, we dance, we sing, we do combat, we research; we build a little refuge based on nobility, honor, and respect for one another, away from the stresses and conflicts of the modern era. Ranks and titles in the SCA are earned entirely within the Society, not granted based on who you are in the modern world. If this sounds like a place you might want to be, please come check us out.

The SCA is divided into regional groups we call “kingdoms,” each led by Royal Sovereigns who have achieved those titles through their own merit. Iowa (except for the Quad Cities area), Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and the Fayetteville area of Arkansas comprise the Kingdom of Calontir. Within Calontir there are a number of local groups such as baronies, shires, and cantons. The Shire of Shadowdale consists of Iowa City, IA and the surrounding area. For a weekend event near you, browse the Kingdom Calendar. We’re excited that you’re interested in the SCA, and we can’t wait to meet you at an event. As Shakespeare wrote, “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” You may be a Peer of the Realm or even of Royal Blood: join us and find your own path to destiny!