• 1988   Mayor Gerry Montgomery, at the urging of Mr. W.W. Dyer, initiated an ad hoc committee to purse the prospects for developing a museum to showcase the Four Rivers Region maritime heritage. 

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• 1992   The River Heritage Center (RHC), as it was originally named, formulates 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. 

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• 1996   Renovation work is underway by Seaman's Church Institutes of New York; provides impetus for RHC to consider using part of Petter complex to house a river museum. 

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• 2000-2001   Rename the River Heritage Museum; Restoration of historic facade; the 2nd floor restoration is completed and named after Paul Walker, founder of the Walker Boat Yard. Julie Harris is hired as executive director. 

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• 2003   Grand Opening of Phase I Exhibit Gallery, U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell is featured speaker. 

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• 2005   Completion of Master Plan and Economic Feasibility Study for Expansion

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• 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. 

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• 2009   Expansion of educational programming to include the Skippers, Animal Encounters, and award-winning Mound Builders

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• 2012   First year of new fundraiser, Paducah Dragon Boat Festival

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• Present   The River Discovery Center serves more than 15,000 guests annually, including tourists, locals, and school groups. Educational programming continues development to benefit the children of this region and beyond. The Center overlooks the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers in the oldest standing building in Downtown Paducah. The Center is supported by many local and national businesses, as well as over 100 members.