River Tales: The Day the River Caught Fire

River Tales
Saturday, April 5, 2025
11 am – 12 pm and 1 – 2 pm

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Non-members: $3 per learner
Members: FREE!
Museum admission is not included with ticket purchase.

Swing by the Connecticut River Museum for take-home craft activities that engage kids with the Connecticut River’s stunning wildlife and rich history! Crafts will take place in the Museum’s Boathouse. A program just for kids 4+ and their caregivers, River Tales includes a story and craft activity themed around nature.

After the Industrial Revolution in the 1880s, the Cayuhoga River in Cleveland, Ohio, caught fire almost twenty times, earning Cleveland the nickname “The Mistake on the Lake.” Waste dumping had made fires so routine that Cleveland residents laughed off their combustible river and even wrote songs about it. But when the river ignited again in June 1969, it motivated people to protect and clean up our rivers.

In honor of Earth Day this April, we’ll read The Day the River Caught Fire by award-winning author Barry Wittenstein. Young learners will learn about the importance of protecting our waterways and discover the true story of how a 1969 fire in one of the most polluted rivers in America sparked the national Earth Day movement.

Questions? Email astromberger@ctrivermuseum.org.

The Connecticut River Museum may photograph this event. By participating, you agree to allow photos to be posted on the Connecticut River Museum’s website, Facebook page, Instagram feed, and other media.

Upcoming River Tales Programs:

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Saturday, July 5, 2025