Medieval Skills Day

Teaching the Past, Inspiring the Future 

 

Innovation Montessori High School Hosts Medieval Skills Day

 

If you’ve been to Innovation Montessori High School, as a parent, student or visitor, you’ve probably met Ms. Cyndi. She’s been part of the Innovation Montessori family for over 10 years, in many roles. She currently serves as the middle and high school’s Registrar and Guidance Advisor. This year, she shared her passion for hands-on history our school community, by launching “Medieval Skills Day.” Visitors experienced a mini-history park on school grounds, complete with candlemaking, weaving, calligraphy and manuscript illumination, leather and metal works, combat training, dance and games.

 

Enjoy this interview with Ms. Cyndi.

 

How did your interest in hands-on history originate?

 

I have always enjoyed learning how things are done and making things.  I began my interests in Girl Scouts here in Citrus Council.  Then as an adult I joined the Society for Creative Anachronism, an inclusive community pursuing research and re-creation of pre-seventeenth century skills, arts, combat and culture. The lives of participants are enriched as we gain knowledge of history through activities, demonstrations, and events. This is an organization that allows me to foster my educational hobbies and interests, including sewing, raising chicken and bees, spinning, cooking over an open fire, making candles, gardening, calligraphy, painting illumination and glass enameling. 

 

What do you think are the benefits to connecting modern people to these often forgotten trades?

 

I think having a physical connection and the experience of making something from scratch is therapeutic and joyful.  It gives a deep understanding when you have the knowledge of how and why things happened in history.  Many of our society’s traditions came from necessity and understanding this history helps explain things.  For instance, crops were harvested in the fall and then fermented to have food available through the winter when the crops were few. 

 

What were some stand-out moments for you during Medieval Skills Day? 

 

Sharing and teaching are always my favorite, especially if the student is older.  The number of teenagers and adults who have never tried many of these skills is great.  I did enjoy watching everyone play the games and have a good time without any electronics.

 

Lastly, what do you have in store for us next year? 

 

I believe the secondary, high school program would like to host a large-scale medieval day open to our school and local communities.  

 

Anything else that you'd like to share?

 

I am the president of the Orange County chapter of the SCA.  We meet at the high school on Thursday nights at 7:00pm.  Every week we have a different class.  It is open to the public and we would love to invite anyone who is interested to attend.  For information you can find it on our website here: Barony of Darkwater.