For the best information available on Markland, please go to THE MARKLAND HOMEPAGE where they have information on the Markland charter, historical information, and other topics. The following is copied from their Markland introduction page, though there is MUCH information on their site not listed here. 

    Markland was formed in 1969 from members of a fencing team at the University of Maryland who wanted to enjoy the romance of history. From a group of four members who organized fifteen participants into a battle of Hastings reenactment, the group has waxed and waned over the years. Markland has no official set period of historical reenactment, though it has been describes as spanning the iron age to just prior to the end of the middle ages along with other interests. The main era of concentration has always been the latter Viking era and of course, the year of the English Conquest, 1066. Membership is not limited to any part of the United States, but has remained centered in the Middle Atlantic States. It varies between 300 to 500 members at any time, though there is probably an equal number of non paid hangers on and splinter groups existing in the fringe with unofficial ties. Aside from its egalitarian confederate structure, modeled closely on Medieval Icelandic democracy, Markland tolerates a wide range of interests and activities. This at times can be either a blessing or a curse.