"Where we came from"

October 2000

Though it would be several years before The Vikings - NA would even be conceptualized, the seed from which it would sprout fell to the ground in the month of October in the year 2000.

This was the year that Henrik Olsgaard, Mike Cady and Scott Gelpi (Camric) of the SCA and Liz Langthorn , Michal Carson, Kirby Junge, Mark Reimer, Steve Law, Chris and Chet Petty (all members of Dr. Law's group Normani Rubricae) all traveled to the UK to take part in the Hastings 2000 (affectionately called H2K) reenactment that is hosted yearly by The Vikings! (An essay composed by Henrik and Mike about their experience can be found here.)

There Henrik and Mike meet Peter James of The Vikings!.

February 2002

Pete was invited by both Henrik and Mike to attend an SCA event held yearly in Phoenix Arizona . The event was Estrella War and the plan was to do a small demonstration of how the Vikes fought but to do no actual combat. A last minute misunderstanding kept Henrik, Mike and Pete from actually swinging steel at each other but since from the beginning Pete wanted to keep a positive relationship with the SCA they switched gears and taught a basic class on what was expected of kit and fighting styles at a Hastings type event. Attending this demonstration were of course Henrik, Mike, Pete, Halvgrimr and others.

Since Pete and Halvgrimr had been in contact with each other prior to Estrella (via a multitude of chat rooms and boards), upon returning from Estrella they began to plan the next visit to the US by The Vikings! and a few more of its Training Officers. 

June 2003

As mentioned previously the one thing that would be different about the KC trip from the first trip was that this time 3 Recognized Training Thegns (RTT's) from The Vikings! would make the trip!. Along with Pete (aka Guthroth Of Colanhomm) came Ian Judd (Gunnar of Cowley) and Geoff Saltmarsh (Thorolf the Tall.) These fine men would provide the inspiration and dedication that many of us still bear today.  (Biographies of these fine men can be found here.)

It is the opinion of this writer that it is to these men many of us owe many thanks for without them we would still be spinning our wheels and beating our heads against the wall that was at one time stopping us from actually making the jump from <insert whatever it was we were doing before here> to actual steel combat.  I ask you all to raise a mug to these men and honor them as they honored us!

We had over 30 people in attendance the first two days of this gathering.

Members and/or group attending the event were Andrea Cox, Case Miner, John Mitchell, Mark Reimer, Melissa Snow, Michael Bagley, Michael Cady, Michal Carson, Nesrin Meral (Nessie), Richard Hern, Robb Schuster (Halvgrimr), Ryan Wright, Scott Gelpi (Camric), Stephen Law, Tump Laird, Daniel Roy, David Cates (Blaec), Mike Cady, Henrick Olsgaard, Jeff Angus (Seathrun) and multiple members of the Nebraska based group Skjaldborg.

June 2003

TorVik becomes an official Vikes group with Kelly Paynter as its Sturaeswoman (group leader.)

June 2003

Norsa and (the now defunct) Helluland becomes official Vikes groups. Norsa had Robb Schuster (Halvgrimr) as its  Sturaesman (group leader) and Tump Laird held the position for Helluland.

September 2003

Sudhere becomes an official Vikes group with Scott Gelpi as Sturaesman.

December 2003

Havn became the 5th official Vikes group with Henrik Olsgaard as its Sturaesman.

January 2004

On Jan 1, 2004 Glomesdal became the next official Vikes group in North America.

January 2004

NADARA (North American Dark Age Reenactment Association) was officially formed at about this time. (Editors note: While in the end it failed NADARA was r eally the first incarnation of The VikesNA.)

January 2004

The Helluland Vikings hosted the next training event in San Antonio, TX

This time around the Vike RTT's numbered only two, Pete and  Gunnar, but none the less the experience was well worth the trip.

Not only did the RTT's certify a few more NA fighters but they also took a huge step and announced the creation of a new office, the Recognized Training Frihall (RTF). As it takes many years and a high level of involvement for a UK person to achieve RTT status The Vikings! told us that it was inappropriate to certify NA'ers with such limited experience (at the time) in steel as RTT's. We all understood and were grateful enough that upon receiving the RTF title that anyone that we trained in NA (in basic combat) would be recognized at The Vikings! events overseas. There were 6 NA  RTF's made that weekend. Case Miner, Michael Bagley, Michal Carson, Robb Schuster (Halvgrimr), Scott Gelpi (Camric) and Tump Laird all hold the honor of being the first NA RTF's.

Members and/or group attending the event were Andrea Cox, Case Miner, John Mitchell, Melissa Snow, Michael Bagley, Michal Carson, Nesrin Meral (Nessie), Robb Schuster (Halvgrimr), Scott Gelpi (Camric), Tump Laird, David Cates (Blaec), Michael Erlund (Olaf), Liz Langthorn, Kelly Paynter (Efeja), Joe Pinegar (Aesgir)

April 2004

Having felt that the NADARA project had failed, Robb Schuster resigned from the Witan and left NADARA behind him. At this time Robb felt that the NA scene had to many chiefs and not enough Indians which led to power struggles among the 'groups' that were suppose to be working toward one goal. He though that if a group could be formed  that already had an established chain of command and set policies that alot of the bickering that caused the NADARA project to fail could be avoided. As such with the permission of Pete James (and The Vikings High Council) The Vikings - North America (NA) was officially formed and Robb began inviting the other Vikes groups to rally under one banner and put the petty bickering aside.

June 2004

A small training event was held in KC, Mo. Members in attendace were Tump Laird, Robb Schuster, Michael Straatmann, Jeff Angus, and Terrie Helleliod. Full report at http://www.vikingsna.org/norsa/reports/june04trn.htm

June 2004

Some time around this time Helluland disbands.

June 2004

Norsa did its first public demonstration. We were invited to put on a fighting dispaly at The Mo River Regional Library Renaissance Festival. We were short of bodies but we pulled off a pretty good show IMO. Full report at http://www.vikingsna.org/norsa/reports/june04demo.htm

July 2004

After a discussion with the Society Konnungr (Tony Sayer) Guthrothr the Jarl of Vinland (Peter James) appointed Halvgrimr of Norsa (Robb Schuster) as the first Hauldr (a Norwegian alternative to Thegn) of Vinland (NA) for his work in various areas.

September 2004

TorVik hosted the next training event in Milton, Ontario, Canada (near Toronto.)

And while this time around we had two (three counting Fish) RTT's, Pete and a returning Geoff Saltmarsh,  we also received our first visit from the Vikes National Training Officer, Paul Murphy. Also accompanying the RTT's were their families. Pete had brought along his wife Denise and son Matthew. Geoff's wife Alison and son Pinch had accompanied him. And last but certainly not least were the old veteran Brit fighters Eddie and Lance.

Never before had we been offered the amount or advanced level of fighting as was offered on this weekend. By the end of the event most folks had been assessed in at least two other areas. The dedication the Brits showed in ensuring we received quality training was amazing. In addition to the basic assessments done that weekend North America gained its first full fledged RTT's that weekend.  Robb Schuster (Halvgrimr) and Tump Laird hold the honor of being the first RTT's made in NA (Fish was already an RTT upon moving to Canada.)

Members and/or group attending the event were Case Miner, Michal Carson, Robb Schuster (Halvgrimr), Jeff Angus (Seathrun), Ted Bouck(Theodric), Alexandra, Tump Laird,  Andrea Cox, Jed Bees, Michael Erlund (Olaf), Melissa Erlund, Robert Kenyon (Wulfric), Ben Pyles (Robert), Leofa, Kelly Paynter (Efeja), Talis Kivlenieks, Michael Bagley, Nesrin Meral (Nessie), Deryck Brown (Fish), Sarah Porter, Antony Wohlgemuth, Rob Elliot, Chris Kerr, Ann,  Mark Patchett, Beth Patchett and little Jared Patchett.
 

Full event report at http://www.vikingsna.org/norsa/reports/sept04   <- - Warning, this report carries a PG 13 label!

November 2004

Vardhald becomes an official group with Terrie Helleloid as its Sturaeswoman.

November 2004

For her work as NA membership liaison, Kelly Paynter (Efeja) was appointed a Thegn of Vinland.

December 2004

Fjellborg becomes an official group with Loren Schulz (Lodin) as its Sturaesman.

February 2005

Vardhald decided that it is best to merge with Norsa and disolves

March 2005

March became the month that we (Vikes-NA) held our first paid NA demo. The demo was to be held at Camp Rokilio (I have also heard it called Cub Scout World) near Kiel, Wisconsin. This demo was done for the local Boy Scout troop. Members in attendance were Michael Bagley, Don Morse, Robb Schuster and Michael Straatmann. Full report at http://www.vikingsna.org/norsa/reports/march05demo.htm

March 2005

Norsa members became part owners of The Vikes-NA's first longship, The Fydraca. We bought her from The Longship Company and have had many adventures with her since then!

May 2005

Glomesdal hosted the next VikesNA event. Not only was it a training event but it was to be the first time that official kit checks were to be done by Vike Authenticity Officers (AO's). Both Pete James (pulling double duty as a RTT as well) and Trixie were to serve in these roles. Robb Schuster received a preliminary Kit pass (which was eventually turned into a full pass) and Michael Erlund became the first person to pass his Kit check. This also set Michael up to be the first official drengr (an odd turn of events kept this from happening in the end)

Many classes were taught and much training was done. In the end 3 newbies gained their basic passes and many more assessments were given as well. A unique opportunity came to us in the form of mace training and assessments. Trixie was able to give us this unique opportunity and if memory serves everyone took advantage of the training (and passed the assessment!)

A feast was served on Saturday night and it was fit for a King! Many raving reviews were heard that evening and in the days to come.

It was at this event that it was decided (mockingly of course) that is was mandatory for all future events to have swimming pools;) This was the first heat wave of the summer and the Langthorn family pool was a godsend after a day of fighting.

Members and/or group attending the event were Case Miner, Michal Carson, Liz Langthorn, Robb Schuster (Halvgrimr), Jeff Angus (Seathrun), Tump Laird,  Andrea Cox, Michael Erlund (Olaf), Melissa Erlund, "Boy" Erlund,  Randall Beggs, Kevin Von Feldt, and Brian Petty.

Full event report at http://www.vikingsna.org/norsa/reports/may05.htm

May 2005

During a trip to the UK, to attend the Whitby event, Michal Carson had the honor of being North America's first drengr.

May 2005

May also saw the formation of our next two official groups. Groups were formed in the Carolina's (originally named Hovenvold, but would later become Austlend) and Pennsylvania (which would later be named Yngling Skog.)

(Boy, May was a busy month!)

June 2005

Norsa once again did a public demonstration at The Mo River Regional Library Renaissance Festival. This time around our numbers (and camp size) had increased dramatically . Pics can be seen here.

July 2005

At their first official group meeting Bryan Salter, of then Hovenvold, proposed that the group rename itself with a term that would reflect their geographic heritage.  Acronymns were debated and decided against.  After several emails with Pete James and others Bryan suggested the name Austlend (for Eastern Land) at a group meeting on July 16. At this time their group "colors" were determined to be grey and dark red.
 

September 2005 (early)

Wil Yannacoulias announced that Nordhere was becoming an official group of The Vikes-NA

September 2005 (late)

This month saw the first large scale LH/Battle reenactment. Back in September of 2004 (after the first Torvik event) when it was announced by The Vikings! that TNBO was pushed back a year Norsa  new that allot of North American "Viking Age" reenactors were saving up money and vacation time to experience the total awe that is a major international reenactors gathering like the UK reenactment of Hastings had become.  As such they gambled on the fact that alot of folks would want to fill the void left by the push back so they had decided to sponsor the NA version of Hastings. It was to be a first of its kind event!

In the spirit of The Next Big One (TNBO) they affectionately chose to call this event The First Big One (TFBO) as a tribute to our UK friends;) They kindly repaid us by sending 16 of their members to attend our event. Those in attendance were Iann Judd, Eddie Hurman, Mia Hansson, Lance Peacock, Alex Pickard, Steve Allen, Myric Allen, Dave Hall, Kathy Hall, Stephanie Hall, Susan Hall, Paul Murphy, Clare Leask, Pete James, and Bryan Betts

In the end we had around 40 warriors on the field, less than we had hoped but more than we needed. We took what we had and had a damned fine time with it. From Tallifer's demise, to Billy the Bastard riding out to show his troops he wasn't dead, to Harold 'taking one for the team' we pulled off one damned fine show (several times). The break down was 19 tents in the LH area, 1 longship on the lake, 1 archer, 7 cavalry, aprox 30 foot soldiers and about a dozen or so camp folk. We had folks come in from the UK and 14 states (Georgia, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Alaska, Utah, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Illinois and Indiana). Norsa was proud to have sponsored such an event and immediately began planning for the next one!

Also at this event we saw Tump Laird become the first NA assessed in Combat Archery.

And on the feast Saturday evening held in the honor of all Norsa's guest Michael Straatmann was elevated to Frihal status, while Michael Erlund and Robb Schuster became the first NA MADE Drengrs. Due to his absence Tump Laird was elevated to Drengr the following day.

NA's in attendance were: Jeff Angus, Jesse Baily, Wendy Bailey, James Barker, Arild Barrett, Randell Beggs, Michal Carson, David Cates, Trevor Clemons, Babette Colburn, Andrea Cox, Bruce Dunkle, Melissa Erlund Michael Erlund, Scott Gelphi, Terry Helleliod, Dena Jansen, Beth Kelley, Glen Kyle (for a short time!), Tump Laird, Andy Lange, Liz Langthorn, Douglas Merlin Larsen, Jessica Long, Telia McQuire, Case Miner, Christina Petty, Hank Quattlebaum, Robb Schuster, Jim Schutte, Mandy Schutte, John Steelquist, Michael Straatmann, Kevin von Feldt, and Dave Wise.

Full report at http://www.vikingsna.org/tfbo/

September 2005 (late)

The Florida based group Aldrig Vinter became the 10th official Vikes-NA group on Sept 29th!

October 2005

During a group meeting Austlend choose Bryan Salter as Sturaesman of the group.

October 2005

After an impressive showing at TFBO by the Cavalry guys talks between Pete James (Jarl of Vinland), Paul Murphy (National Training Officer), Emmalyne Downing (head UK Cavalry type) and the High Council ended with a decision that VikesNA was prepared to start laying the infrastructure for NA cavalry training. Because of his impressive resume in prior mounted cavalry reenactment and the experience shown at TFBO Jesse Bailey was chosen to be NA's first Recognized Training Thegn in Cavalry activities (RTT-C)

November 2005

Jesse Bailey and Glen Kyle form the newest group of VikesNA, Conroi FitzOsbern. CF was alive long before VikesNA was up and going. It had been doing high quality LH demonstrations on its own under the guidance of the founders. Their experience will no doubt add a great deal of weight to the organization.

March 2006 (early)

Conroi FitzOsbern hosted the next VikesNA event.  All present agreed that this was an excellent event. Getting to interact with human combatants is one thing, working with the horses is always great too but working with well trained horses is even better. Several different groups were represented and the camaraderie was excellent, very little negativity and lots of laughing (Jesse Bailey has some amazing stories about reenacting.) Along with the pretty amazing encampment there were about a half a dozen combat assessments and only a few less basic cav assessments completed throughout the weekend. In addition there were several tactical scenarios that involved the 4 Saxons present ambushing a Norman (mounted and foot) patrol, All in all some very awesome stuff.

With the blessing of The Vike, it was Robb Schuster's pleasure to elevate Jesse Bailey to Frihal status for all the hard work he had done organizing the cavalry stuff for both TFBO and this event.

NA's in attendance were Jesse and Wendy (Wednesday) Bailey, James Barker, Randall Beggs, Cedri(AA), Eric Fritts (Drachus from the AA), Tom Dunbar, Glen Kyle, Andy Lang, Scott Adkins (Murdock from the AA), Mike Piland (Oddlog), Chuck Russell, Robb Schuster (Halvgrimr), Tim Rich , and James (Egil)and Mandy (Iona) Schutte.

CF's report can be found at http://forums.armourarchive.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=57011

March 2006 (mid)

Austlend held its first training event at Emerald Isle, North Carolina.
After a few unfortunate last minute real life issues, a couple folks were unable to attend but this left the Austlend-ers a good core group of 12 fighters and 5 artisans. Austlend's trainer/guest was a lone Brit, Bryan Betts. His trip and effort was greatly appreciated by all in attendance.

The public demonstrations ended up being part of the fighters training, thus increasing the time the trainer had with the warriors.
By the third demo the assembled crowd had grown to approximately 75 people. The audience seemed very appreciative and several stopped the fighters to ask questions after the demonstrations. Back at the L/H Camp the ladies were demonstrated Dark Age cooking and sewing. The sewing demonstrations even impressed the local news media. A very good "PR" move happened when the a weapons display became a 'let the kids wear a Viking helm while parent take photographs' situation.

The battle skit went well and was a big hit with the afternoon crowd. Irish raiders attacked a Viking village and stole their chieftainess. The Vikings followed, engaged the enemy, and won the day (though sadly they had assassinated the Viking queen).

Sitting around the campfire Saturday night (some fine fare that evening) Bryan Betts made Lloyd and Bryan Salter Frihals courtesy of "Sneaky Pete" aka Pete James.

Members and/or group attending the event were Bryan Betts of the Temesvikings (UK), 9 folks from Austlend, 4 from Torvik, 4 from Orkney Camp, 1 from The Manx, 2 independents, and 2 local SCA folks (Barony of Windmaster Hill.) 23 folks in all.
 

March 2006 (late)

The Indiana members form Gladsheim and it becomes the 14th official VikesNA group.

Sometime in March the 5th edition of the Vine was distributed.

April 2006

This month saw two events on the same weekend so our members traveled in varied directions.

In Waco, Texas the Jomsvikings hosted Viking Invasion. Members in attendance were Michael and Melissa Erlund, Michal Carson, Liz Langthorn, and Tump Laird.

Meanwhile several hundreds of miles to the south (in Missouri) Norsa held what it thought was to be a small local trainer. Initially this was to be the 5 veteran warriors of Norsa and our Brit visitors but it evolved into a trainer with 13 warriors and 5 A&S types.

Lance Peacock, Mia Hansson, Eddie Hurman, and his two kids (Tom and Lewie) were visiting the states and vacationing with Robb Schuster and his family. Lance and Eddie were gracious enough to offer their skills for the training session.

Jeff Angus (Seathrun) of Norsa and James & Mandy Schutte of Gladsheim  were all elevated to Frihal status for the hard work within their respective groups.

Members in attendance were Jeff Angus, Don Morse, Douglas Polczynski, Larry Roeth, Liz Roeth, Robb Schuster, Jim Schutte, Mandy Schutte, Wil Smiley, Michael Straatmann,

Non-members in attendance were Jennifer Beavers, Sheridon Glenn, Rob Howell, Amy Hucks, Misty Millsap, Diane Polczynski, Hank Quattlebaum, and Sam Shoults.

May 2006

The first week of May saw The Einherjar become the 15th official group of The Vikings-NA

May 2006

Glomesdal held its second annual training event. At said event NA gained its 4th and 5th RTT's - Michal Carson and Michael Erlund

June 2006

For a third year in a row Norsa did a public demonstration at the Mo River Regional Library Renaissance Festival. As with the previous year both the LH display and the combat shows continued to get better.  More pictures can be seen here.

Folks in attendance were Christina Petty, Hank Quattlebaum, Robb Schuster, Jim Schutte, Mandy Schutte, Sam Shoults, Suzie Shoults, John Shoults, Michael Straatmann, and Clark Winslow.

The 6th edition of the Vine was distributed.

July 2006

After many years at the helm of VNA Robb Schuster announced that he would be stepping down as NA Thegn on Nov 1. Michael Erlund was announced as the next NA Thegn. A copy of Robb's letter to the members can be found here.

August 2006

Ron Phelps agreed to serve as Austlend's Authenticity Officer.

September 2006 (early)

Kelly Paynter announced that she was stepping down as GL of Torvik. Talis Kivlenieks was announced as her successor.

The 7th edition of the Vine was put out in early September. Things of note in this edition were:

• The creation of the new AO Team consisting of Michael Straatmann, Mandy, Schutte, and Glen Kyle

• Terri Morgan was taking over the US Membership position

• Charlotte Mayhew was taking over the Vine Editor position.

September 2006 (mid)

At the request of Vasa Park, Inc several groups (Gladsheim, Norsa and Sudhere) jointly did a public demonstration/living history display at the 27th Annual Scandinavian Heritage Festival (in Elgin, Illinois.)

While the actual public demonstration was on the 11th the groups used the 2 days prior to the event to accomplish many things, included were combat training, AO training, kit and camp inspections, and the first ever NA History test was administered.

Saturday also included a private tour of the Raven, a Gokstad replica built and sailed across the Atlantic for the 1893 Worlds Fair in Chicago.

A full report (and pics) of the event can be seen here.

Folks in attendance were Jeff Angus, Jennifer Cogar, Melissa Erlund, Michael Erlund, Dan Grabski, Terri Helleloid, Pete James, Mike Piland, Tauna Piland, Kyle Piland, Hank Quattlebaum, Robb Schuster, Jim Schutte, Mandy Schutte, Sam Shoults, and Michael Straatmann.

October 2006

A large contingent of the VNA attended the 940th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings in Battle, England!

Members in attendance were Jeff Angus, Jesse Bailey, Michal Carson, Robb Schuster (Halvgrimr), Scott Gelpi (Camric), Siridean Glenn, Tump Laird, Andy Lang, Liz Langthorn, Telia McGuire, Henrik Olsgaard, Jim Schutte, Mandy Schutte, Michael Straatmann.

At the event Jim Schutte became VNA's newest RTT.

On Saturday, October 14, 2006 Jim Schutte and Michael Straatmann were elevated to Drengr by Tony Sawyer
On Sunday, October 15, 2006 Scott Gelpi (Camric) was elevated to Drengr and Robb Schuster (Halvgrimr) became VNA's first Silver Thegn.

Robb's account of the event can be found here.

Another development at Hastings was the announcement of what was to initially be a purely administrative split between the US and Canadian groups. When it all went down it became an overall split with Canada deciding to form its own group,The Vikings-Canada (VCan) and announcing it would also recruit from the US. As they had similar goals the Einherjar and Fjellborg left VNA and became aligned with VCan at this time.

Peter James saw this as counterproductive to the original goals of VNA and with the blessing of the UK High Council resigned as liaison to the Canadian groups.

 

November 2006

Michael Erlund (Olaf) took over as Thegn of VNA on November 1, 2006.

Michal Carson accepted the office of VNA National Training Officer around the same time.