Lacrosse is one of the oldest organized sports in the country and was first played by indigenous tribes in this region.

To highlight its rich, local history, there's a new exhibit at the Museum of Science and Technology.


What You Need To Know

  • Lacrosse is one of the oldest organized sports in the country and was first played by indigenous tribes in this region

  • The MOST lacrosse display features artifacts, photos, and information on the strong history of the game

  • Once a month, you can see live stick-making demonstrations as part of the exhibit at the museum

  • Check the MOST Facebook page for updates

The game of lacrosse has origins dating back 1,000 years when the Haudenosaunee, or members of the Six Nations, started playing it here.

The MOST and the American Indian Law Alliance recently unveiled a new lacrosse display inside the Innovation Station, a portion of the museum that highlights past and present innovations in Central New York.

You can learn a little bit of history about the sport and how it's evolved to the game that's played today.

The exhibit is filled with local artifacts, which include everything from sticks, helmets and jerseys. Some of the lacrosse programs from West Genesee High School and Onondaga Community College have also added photos.

Museum officials said they're to host this exhibit due to the area's strong roots with the game.

"A sport that is spiritual. Promotes and fosters cultural understanding, respect and tears down stereotypes. It's played all over the world now," said MOST Senior Development Director Irv Lyons Jr.

Lyons is a member of the Oneida Wolf Clan who grew up on the Onondaga Nation homelands. He said the museum plans to host longtime stick maker Alfie Jacques for stick making demonstrations about once a month.

The exhibit is expected to be on display from now through September. You can check it out with the cost of admission during regular business hours. 

For more information, visit the museum's website at MOST.org.