Welcome to Carolingia!

1. Welcome to Carolingia! Frequently Asked Questions We are a historical social group, which recreates the arts and skills of pre-seventeenth century European culture. Members become very skilled in their areas of interest, but you do not need to know a lot about the Middle Ages to join. Learn by doing! We are participation oriented, preferring to act out the best of the Middle Ages and early Renaissance for the enjoyment of ourselves, not generally for observers. Anyone wishing to join is welcome to do so. Q What is the barony of Carolingia? A The greater Boston branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), a medieval reconstruction organization Q Do you speak like Shakespeare? A No, but you can try. Q Are you acting? A Some of us do act in a medieval fashion, but not everyone is “in persona” Q Does it cost anything to participate? A. Most practices and meetings are free. Events cost $8-$15. Membership dues are voluntary. As you look around today, you will see a number of different medieval activities being re-enacted: fencing, fighting, dancing, sewing, leatherwork and more. You are welcome to talk to anyone about what they are doing, and in most cases, you are welcome to participate. All activities are free. Some physical activities require you to sign a liability waiver, which will be provided. Members select a medieval name, and some find it more fun to assume a persona. A persona can be as simple as a name and a date and place to be from, or can be so rich and well-developed that you know every aspect of what this medieval person's life would have been like. Court: A formal gathering of people, presided over by the Baron and Baroness or King and Queen. Event: A large medieval weekend activity, usually with a theme or purpose. Feast: A medieval dinner held at an event. Garb: Medieval clothing. Guild: A group of people with a common interest. Heraldry:Medieval coats-of-arms and announcing. Hold: Stop Immediately. Oyez (Oy-yay):a call for quiet before announcement. Persona: The person whom you would like to be, had you been born in the Middle Ages. This demonstration is just a taste of what we do and who we are. Some would argue that the real heart of Carolingia can only be found at our events. Others would argue that the guild activities are their real passion. How do I get started!We strongly encourage you to attend the next event, Mayday, at Brandeis University on Sunday, April 30. Directions and more information about activities there are on the back. Loaner garb is available when you get to Mayday. For any questions, ask: Magistra Carolingia (help for newcomers): Lady Godith Anyon, (617) 776-6777 or magistra@carolingia.org Many of our guilds meet weeklyat MIT, and everyone is welcome. Dance is on Wed. from 7:30 to 9:30 pm in 31-161. Fencing & fighting is on Sun., 1 to 4 pm at Kresge starting May 7. Other guilds (14+) meet less frequently and at other locations. www2.lglass.com/~justin/carolingia.html

2. Mayday Sunday, April 30, 2000 at Brandeis University 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. on Chapels Field, 7:00-9:30 p.m. Dancing in Levin Ballroom. Come join us for May Day at Fenmere! With the ground beginning to thaw and Spring approaching, the Borough of Fenmere (Brandeis University) prepares our May Day celebrations once again. Join us on Sunday, April thirtieth for our celebration of the Spring. Delight your senses listening to music and watching the skill of the fighters and fencers. Join in the games and revelry of the day. But watch out for the Green Man… What to bring:Picnic lunch and diner or money for food, student ID and/or drivers license, legal medications (including antihistamines, etc.), sunscreen, insect repellant, warm/cool/dry enough clothing (daytime activities are outdoors), directions (below), and a sense of humor. Bring things you would normally take with you for a day outing. Optional: blanket or rug to sit on, medieval clothing (attempts from closet welcome!), mug or drinking glass. What to do once you are there: Watch the fencing and fighting, participate in the games, field hockey, and dancing. Volunteer to help (it’s a great way to get to know what is going on). Talk to someone who is doing something interesting that you would like to learn about. (We are almost always excited to talk to anybody about what we find interesting.) If you having problems getting involved, tell someone that you are new and you would like some assistance. Try addressing people as m’lord or m’lady. Have Fun! Directions to Brandeis University: From the Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90) Eastbound: Take exit 14 for I-95/Rt 128. After the toll, keep left for 95/128 North. While on ramp, exit immediately onto exit 24 for Route 30. Bear left onto Route 30. Turn right at first traffic light. Brandeis is two miles ahead on left. From the Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90) Westbound: Take exit 15 for I-95/Rt 128 and Route 30. After the toll proceed straight for Route 30. Turn right at end of the ramp, and then right again at first traffic light onto Route 30. Turn left at next traffic light. Brandeis is two miles ahead on the left. From I-95/Route 128 Southbound: Take exit 24 for Route 30. At end off ramp, proceed through traffic light (across Route 30). Brandeis is two miles ahead on the left. From I-95/Route 128 Northbound: Take exit 24 for Route 30. Route 30 is one of several options at this exit, so follow signs carefully. Turn left at the top of the ramp onto Route 30. Turn right at the traffic lights, and Brandeis is two miles ahead on the left. From Route 20 in Watertown: Continue down Route 20 past the large park in Waltham center. Just after the old CVS and the pet store on your right the street will split in three directions. Route 117 will be a slight left and south street will be a hard left. Make the left on to south street, you should pass the walgreens on your right. Continue down south street, Brandeis is on the left. By commuter rail: Commuter train service is available from Boston's North Station to the Brandeis/Roberts Station which borders the campus. Check MBTA commuter rail schedules for more information Directions when you arrive on campus: Once you have turned onto the Brandeis campus, take the street which leads away from the castle (It is a big loop so if you go the wrong way just follow it around) At the four-way stop there will be a large white building across the street on the left and a parking lot across the street on the right. The field is to the right and parking can be found to the left. http://www.unet.brandeis.edu/~fenmere/m_day.html