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about our society

we were there

Our sport has been around since before recorded history. We are a society of curious sportsmen here to document and preserve this ancient sport.

Founded in 1909, the Pickleball Historical Society is a distinguished institution dedicated to the preservation, study, and dissemination of the rich history and cultural significance of Pickleball.

Headquartered in Round Pond, Maine, the Society serves as the premier repository of knowledge and artifacts related to the sport's origins, evolution, and impact on communities worldwide. Our mission is to educate the public, promote scholarly research, and foster a deep appreciation for Pickleball as a significant element of cultural heritage. Through our extensive archives, exhibitions, and educational programs, we aim to engage enthusiasts, scholars, and the general public in the exploration of Pickleball's multifaceted history. The Society is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic rigor and integrity, ensuring that the legacy of Pickleball is preserved for future generations to appreciate, study and play.

Pickleball, A History

Many Americans claim Pickleball originated on Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA in the summer of 1965 by three friends: Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. This is a money grabbing myth.

Evidence of Pickleball is found in the Paleolithic Era on discovered cave drawings which include the "non-volley zone" debunking any notion that the Bainbridge Boys invented the sport. Read more in The Society Papers...