Cleveland’s Naughty Parts: True Tales of Vice, Scandal and Bad Behavior

The world’s longest striptease. A rum-running yacht that sank a police department. An “heiress” who became a bank robber. And a hotel that became a rock & roll haven.

Cleveland has a colorful past—and local author Jim Sweeney is ready to tell some of the stories civic leaders might rather forget.

Join the Rocky River Historical Society for an entertaining evening with Sweeney as he shares stories from his newest book, Cleveland’s Naughty Parts: True Tales of Vice, Scandal and Bad Behavior.

The author of What’s the Deal With Dead Man’s Curve and Other Really Good Questions About Cleveland, Sweeney returns with his trademark combination of history, humor, and fascinating local stories. His latest book explores some of Northeast Ohio’s more mischievous moments, from Prohibition-era rumrunning and political corruption to cheating in walleye tournaments, poetry bans, and other episodes that have earned a place in Cleveland’s colorful history.

During his presentation, Jim will highlight some of the book’s most surprising and entertaining stories, offering a lighthearted look at the people, places, scandals, and schemes that helped shape Cleveland’s past.

Whether you're a lifelong Clevelander, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a great story, this promises to be an evening of laughter, intrigue, and local history—with plenty of surprises along the way.

Come hear the stories Cleveland's history classes may have left out!

Books will be available for purchase and signing.