Learn about the rich history of lacrosse at Lacrosse: The Creator’s Game, a special exhibit by The Strong National Museum of Play.
The exhibit traces the history of lacrosse from a Native sport in which players controlled and passed balls with a wooden stick, to the establishment of rules by lacrosse enthusiast William George Beers in 1869, through to the modern era, where lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. (In 2028, lacrosse will become part of the Summer Olympic Games.) The display also shares the history of prejudices built into the early rules and actions to exclude Native players in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Artifacts on display include:
- A handmade, wooden stick created by Richard Francis Big Kettle from the Cattaraugus Territory, a wooden lacrosse ball from The Strong’s collections, a 1946 Rochester Sports Magazine featuring the Rochester Iroquois roster, artwork by artist Carson Waterman (Snipe Clan, Seneca Nation, and a Rochester Knighthawks jersey and gear
- Images showcasing the history of lacrosse, such as a photo of the Columbia University lacrosse team from 1908, a picture of the Women’s Lacrosse Tournament from 1935, and a reproduction depicting the Hodinöhsö:ni’ Nationals women’s lacrosse team scrimmaged at the World Games
- Toys showcasing the cultural influence of the sport, including an American Girl Doll in a lacrosse uniform, G. I. Joe with a lacrosse stick, and lacrosse Ken doll.
The exhibit was created in partnership with the Rochester Knighthawks and the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum, both of the Seneca Nation, along with Ansley Jemison (Seneca Nation, Wolf Clan) of Ganondagan.
The exhibit remains on view through February 21, 2027.
