A Legacy of Lambert Will and the Herkimer 9 Foundation’s Progress
For over seventy years, the origins of basketball have been hotly debated. While the official story credits Dr. James Naismith with inventing the game in 1891 at the Springfield YMCA in Massachusetts, a growing body of evidence suggests that the true birthplace of basketball might be Herkimer, New York. This narrative, supported by recent research, posits that a 16-year-old Austrian-American named Lambert Will invented the game in 1890, a full year before Naismith, by tossing cabbages into peach baskets in a root cellar and later at a local general store.
The Herkimer 9 Foundation: A Four-Year Journey
In the past four years, the Herkimer 9 Foundation has made significant strides in establishing Herkimer as the true birthplace of basketball. Led by Scott Flansburg, the Foundation has focused on preserving and promoting the legacy of Lambert Will and the Mohawk Valley’s role in the creation of the sport.
In a recent episode of Small Town Life, Dave Warner caught up with Scott Flansburg to discuss the Foundation’s progress and his personal journey in championing Herkimer’s claim to basketball history. Scott shared his background and what led him to become so passionate about this cause. He also recounted an ‘aha’ moment that solidified his belief that Herkimer was onto something big. See the episode at the bottom of this post!
Significant Milestones: Quackenbush Building and the Herkimer Originals
One of the key accomplishments of the Herkimer 9 Foundation has been the restoration and preservation of the historic Quackenbush building, a site believed to have played a role in the early days of basketball. Additionally, the Foundation has successfully launched the Herkimer Originals, a basketball team that serves as a living tribute to Lambert Will’s legacy.
Honoring Lambert Will and Legislative Recognition
The Foundation’s efforts have also led to Lambert Will’s posthumous induction into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame, a significant step in recognizing his contributions to the sport. Moreover, the New York State Assembly passed Legislative Resolution #1052, which officially acknowledges Herkimer as the birthplace of basketball and Lambert Will as the game’s true inventor. The resolution states:
“Recognizing HERKIMER, New York, as the BIRTHPLACE of BASKETBALL, LAMBERT WILL as the game’s INVENTOR, and the Mohawk Valley as the game’s principal influence in the game’s initial adoption.”
A Legacy Reclaimed
For supporters of the Herkimer 9 Foundation, these achievements represent more than just milestones—they are steps toward reclaiming a legacy that has long been overshadowed by the mainstream narrative. The debate over basketball’s origins is not merely a matter of historical record; it’s about honoring the contributions of a small town and its people, who may have played a pivotal role in shaping a sport that has become a global phenomenon.
The Future of Herkimer’s Basketball Legacy
As the Herkimer 9 Foundation continues its work, the community remains dedicated to securing Herkimer’s rightful place in basketball history. With ongoing efforts to promote the Lambert Will narrative and preserve key historical sites, Herkimer is well on its way to becoming recognized as the true birthplace of basketball.
For those interested in learning more about Herkimer’s role in basketball history or supporting the Herkimer 9 Foundation, visit their website and stay tuned for more updates on their journey to reclaim a legacy that belongs to Herkimer, the Mohawk Valley, and Lambert Will.
Visit Herkimer and explore the roots of basketball for yourself, where history meets heritage, and where the game of basketball may have truly begun.
