About

History

1988 Mayor Gerry Montgomery, at the urging of Mr. W.W. Dyer, initiated an ad hoc committee to pursue the prospects for developing a museum complex to showcase the Four Rivers Region maritime heritage.
1992 The River Heritage Center (RHC) as it was originally named, formally a board of directors. The board's first task was to hire Verner Johnson & Associates, Inc. and W.R. Coles & Associates to conduct the TVA-sponsored study. During the study more than 250 of the region's citizens were interviewed for input regarding the museum.
1996 Renovation work underway by Seamen's Church Institute of New York provides impetus for RHC to consider using part of Petter complex to house a river museum.
2000-2001 Renamed the River Heritage Museum; Restoration of Historic Facade; the 2nd floor restoration is completed and named after Paul Walker, founder of Walker Boat Yard. Julie Harris hired as Executive Director.
2003 Grand Opening of Phase I Exhibit Gallery, U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell is featured speaker.
2005 Completion of Master Plan and Economic Feasibility Study for Expansion
2008 Opened new river industry-focused exhibits, including state-of-the-art boat Simulator, a new classroom and new office space. Museum is renamed River Discovery Center.
2012 First year of new fundraiser, Paducah Dragon Boat Festival
2009-present Expansion of Educational Programming to include the Skipper Program, the Animal Encounter program and Mound Builder program

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