Event Schedule
Cowan Pottery Museum Associates & Rocky River Historical Society Present The Annual Winter Social
Join the Cowan Pottery Museum Associates and your Rocky River Historical Society friends for the annual Winter Social celebrating art, history, and community—along with a wonderful dinner.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to the community, this is a perfect opportunity to meet fellow history and art enthusiasts, learn more about upcoming programs and events, and share your appreciation for the legacy of Cowan Pottery.
Enjoy an evening of good food, engaging conversation, and camaraderie in support of two organizations dedicated to preserving local history and culture.
Registration deadline: March 6
Reservations are required.
Please click the Learn More button for details on how to register.
We hope you’ll join us for this warm and welcoming winter tradition!
Author Talk: What’s the Deal with Dead Man’s Curve and Other Really Good Questions About Cleveland
Have you ever wondered why Cleveland State doesn’t have a football team? Or why Dead Man’s Curve is so… terrifying?
Join us for a fun and fascinating evening with author Jim Sweeney, who will discuss his book What’s the Deal with Dead Man’s Curve and Other Really Good Questions About Cleveland. The book explores the questions that have puzzled Greater Clevelanders—both natives and newcomers—for years, blending local history, humor, and surprising facts about our region.
Sweeney’s talk will dive into some of Cleveland’s most curious mysteries and share the stories behind the headlines, landmarks, and legends that make our city unique.
Presented by the Rocky River Historical Society and the Rocky River Public Library.
Whether you’re a lifelong Clevelander or new to the area, this is a great opportunity to learn more about the city you love—and have a few laughs along the way.
The Lake Shore Electric Railway: Connecting Ohio’s Communities
Join us for a fascinating presentation by Manny Marotta, who will explore the history of Ohio’s Lake Shore Electric Railway—the interurban system that once connected communities along the Lake Erie shoreline.
Manny will be discussing the book An Annotated & Illustrated Atlas of the Lake Shore Electric Railway Company, featuring rare maps, photographs, and insights that bring this remarkable transportation network to life.
This program is perfect for history buffs, rail enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Northeast Ohio’s past.
Presented by the Rocky River Historical Society and the Rocky River Public Library.
Afternoon Tea & Fashion Show with J.McLaughlin
Join us on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 1–3 PM for a charming afternoon of tea, conversation, and style! The Rocky River Historical Society is delighted to partner with J.McLaughlin for a special Fashion Show featuring their latest collection.
Enjoy a classic afternoon tea experience while connecting with friends and supporting the Society’s ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate our community’s history.
💵 Cost: $35 Adults | $10 Children
RSVP by November 6, 2025
Register Online here
Send an email to rrhistorical@gmail.com
Mail a check to the Rocky River Historical Society, PO Box 16445, Rocky River, OH 44116
Rocky River Historical Fall Dinner along the Historical Rocky River
Join us for an evening of delicious food, warm camaraderie, and captivating history as we welcome our distinguished guest speaker:
Lt. Commander Matthew J. Previts
NR US Southern Command / Fourth Fleet
He will share an inside look at the upcoming 2025 commissioning of the USS Cleveland (LCS-31) — and take us on a fascinating journey through the history of the three prior USS Cleveland warships.
💵 Cost: $45 per person (Historical Society members) | $50 per person (Non-members)
RSVP by October 1, 2025
Register Online here
Send an email to rrhistorical@gmail.com
Mail a check to the Rocky River Historical Society, PO Box 16445, Rocky River, OH 44116
🎓 Rocky River School "Daze" – A Journey Through the Past
Did you—or someone you love—go to school in Rocky River?
Join us for a fun and heartfelt journey through the legacy of Rocky River's public schools. Photos, stories, spirit wear & more await at School “Daze”! 🏫💙 #RRPride #SchoolDaze
Cancelled - Creale Stunning Fused Glass Jewelry—In a Microwave!
We regret to inform you that the "Create Stunning Fused Glass Jewelry—In a Microwave!" program, scheduled for Wednesday, March 26th at 7:00 PM at the Rocky River Public Library, has been cancelled due to an unexpected illness.
Fall Dinner along the Historical Rocky River
Join us for an evening of history, good food, and great company as we celebrate the beauty of fall and the rich heritage of Rocky River.
Enjoy a delightful buffet dinner and an engaging program led by John Heffner, who will share captivating stories of local landmarks, including the iconic Westlake Hotel—famous for its notable visitors and residents.
Date: Wednesday, November 6th, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Metroparks Emerald Necklace Marina, Scenic Room, 1500 Cleveland Metro Park Drive, Lakewood
Cost: $35.00 per person (RRHS member) $45.00 per person (non RRHS member)
Please RSVP by October 24, 2024, using any of the following options:
Send an email to rrhistorical@gmail.com
Mail a check to the Rocky River Historical Society, PO Box 16445, Rocky River, OH 44116
CLEVELAND RESTORATION SOCIETY HERITAGE HOME PROGRAM
The Cleveland Restoration Society, located in the Sarah Benedict House (1883), 3751 Prospect Ave., is committed to historic preservation projects in and around Cleveland. Their mission is to preserve, protect, and celebrate historic buildings and places. The Society’s “Heritage Home Program” offers a range of services that help you repair, maintain, and preserve the historic features of your home, increase its value; and obtain low-interest loans. Come and hear about their exciting mission and projects.
VINTAGE FIRE TRUCK DISPLAY-ROCKY RIVER ARTS FESTIVAL
COME SEE THE VINTAGE ROCKY RIVER FIRE TRUCK AT THE ROCKY RIVER ARTS FESTIVAL
R. Guy Cowan Scholarship Recipient Exhibition Opening
Join Cowan Pottery and the Rocky River Historical Society for the R. Guy Cowan Scholarship Recipient Exhibition
Cowan Pottery is excited to announce the opening of the R. Guy Cowan Scholarship Recipient Exhibition on August 17, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at River Gallery.
Come and celebrate the achievements of our talented scholarship recipients. We look forward to seeing you there!
View from the Bench with The Honorable Judge Donna Congeni Fitzsimmons
The Rocky River Historical Society warmly welcomes Judge Fitzsimmons as she talks about her 30-year tenure in Rocky River, and the history of the Rocky River Municipal Court.
Rocky River Judge Donna Congeni Fitzsimmons was Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor, Special Attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice, Deputy Counsel to President Reagan’s Commission on Organized Crime, and in 1993, was elected to the Rocky River Municipal Court.
Astrophotography - Capturing the Night Sky from your back yard
Please join the Rocky River Historical Society and Jude Gennari to learn about the beginning and intermediate guide to techniques and equipment involved in photographing our amazing universe. Jude’s photos are spectacular!
Cowan Pottery Museum Associates is having A Winter Social
Come and celebrate with your friends from the Rock River Historical Society
Click here for Reservation Information - The deadline for Reservation is February 29, 2024
CLEVELAND METROPARKS HISTORY: THE EARLY YEARS YEARS Part 2
Presented by Judy MacKeigan, Cleveland Metroparks Historianarn
Learn how our beloved Emerald Necklace evolved from an idea to a reality. Follow the history of the park as it blossomed in the 1920s, survived the Great Depression and World War II, and met the challenges of the 1950s.
Holiday Wreath Sale
Rocky River Historical Society is selling Christmas greens and wreaths this holiday season. We offer hands-free online ordering.
To order online, use the website GIFTITFORWARD.COM and use the fundraising code ROCKYROH002. The name of the referring member can be your name or RRHS.
The deadline for ordering is December 7, 2023.
Thank you so much for supporting the Rocky River Historical Society!
Fall Dinner at the Burntwood Tavern
Come join the Rocky River Historical Society for a fall dinner and learn about our Century Home Plaque Program for Rocky River residents whose homes were built in or before 1924.
We will also be talking about the collections in the Rocky River Historical Archives and what we’ve been doing to preserve our history.
RSVP by November 1, 2023
The cost is $35.00 per person
Click here to reserve and purchase the Fall Dinner event or send an email to rrhistorical@gmail.com
CLEVELAND METROPARKS HISTORY: THE EARLY YEARS YEARS
Presented by Judy MacKeigan, Cleveland Metroparks Historianarn
Learn how our beloved Emerald Necklace evolved from an idea to a reality. Follow the history of the park as it blossomed in the 1920s, survived the Great Depression and World War II, and met the challenges of the 1950s.
The West Shore Meals on Wheels Story
Come and listen to Kathy Blackwell talk about the incredible service the West Shore Meals On Wheels provides to our community. Their mission is to provide nutritional support for members of our communities who find it difficult to shop for or prepare their own food. For some of their clients, contact with a delivery volunteer may be the only personal interaction they have all day — and a very welcome one.
“No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another.” – Author Unknown
Cowan Pottery Museum Associates is having A Winter Social
Come and celebrate with your friends from Rock River Historical Society
Click here for Reservation Information - Deadline for Reservation is February 10, 2023
The Bridge Crossing of the Rocky River
The Bridge Crossings of the Rocky River - How they got to the other side
Presented by Tom Barrett
Rocky River Falls Arts Festival
The first Rocky River Fall Arts Festival took place in 2009. Mayor Pam Bobst wanted to celebrate the talents of the Rocky River residents and highlight the merchants in the Old Detroit Shopping Area. The festival takes place on a beautiful late September morning and afternoon in the Old Detroit Shopping Area of Rocky River, Ohio.