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The Rochester Amateur Radio Association, Inc. (RaRa) is a widely diversified, highly active amateur radio club located in Rochester, NY. We were founded in 1931, and incorporated in September of 1960. Currently, with over 500 active members, we are one of the largest Amateur Radio clubs in North America.

RaRa provides a unifying focal point for much of the amateur radio activity in Western New York. Focusing on education, entertainment, and camaraderie.

Public Service

RaRa also excels in many other areas of amateur endeavor. Many RaRa members, in cooperation with ARES and RACES, provide reliable communications during disasters and other emergencies at the local and national level. Our extensive Public Service activities help build public awareness and goodwill towards Amateur Radio, provide needed communications to worthy charities and non-profit organizations, all while fostering and enhancing emergency communication preparedness.

Classes

For many years, RaRa has sponsored spring and fall licensing courses in the greater Rochester area. These courses cover all license classes and provide many opportunities to prepare for a license or upgrade.

Testing Sessions

Free license testing sessions are held monthly, September through April, by our dedicated RaRa Volunteer Examiner Team. These examination sessions are given for all levels and elements of licenses. The June testing session is held in conjunction with our annual Hamfest.

Meetings and Guest Speakers

RaRa meets regularly on the first Wednesday of every month; our meetings are held at the Seneca Waterways Council, BSA HQ, 2320 Brighton Henrietta Town Line Rd, Rochester, NY 14623. Additional club gatherings include our Rochester Hamfest, summer family picnic, fall banquet, and winter cabin party.

Each month a new and interesting guest speaker joins us to entertain and educate, covering a broad spectrum of topics. Topics range from the highly technical, pushing the boundaries of amateur radio, to the non-technical, practical and fun for the whole family.

Our Officers and Directors are continually searching for new programs, projects, and fun social activities to keep interest high and give members the opportunity to become better acquainted. Anyone interested in amateur radio is encouraged to attend any of our meetings.

Hamfest

RaRa is the proud producer of the Rochester Hamfest. The Rochester Hamfest is a major club activity attracting international visitors from Canada and Europe.

Associated Clubs

Many RaRa members enjoy one or more special interests within amateur radio. We are very fortunate to have so many special interest clubs in the area to be associated with. These include:

The Antique Wireless Association

Astronomy Section Rochester Academy of Science

Interlock Rochester

Rochester DX Association (RDXA)

Rochester Institute of Technology ARC

Rochester Makerspace

Rochester Radio Repeater Association (RRRA)

Rochester VHF Group

XRX Amateur Radio Club (XARC)

Additional Member Benefits and Club Activities

RaRa provides the following additional benefits, services, and activities...

Free admission to the Rochester Hamfest!
Free admission to our exclusive Members Only Auction in November.
Free admission, food, and drink at our summer picnic and winter cabin party. - It's fun for your whole family!
Free amateur radio licensing courses.
Free amateur radio license testing.
Monthly newsletter: The RaRa Rag
Monthly meetings featuring an educational and entertaining presentation by a guest speaker.
Monthly socials - a great opportunity to meet your friends, and make new ones!
Annual club banquet
Reduced rates for ARRL membership and renewal.
Members earn "points" that are redeemable towards a variety of rewards.

Membership starts at only $10.00 and is Free for students! (click here for details)

Last revised: 02/07/26 02:37 PM

The Rochester Amateur Radio Association, Inc. is a 501(c)3 Educational Corporation
Information Contact: webmaster@rochesterham.org