Deep River
Historical Society
Preserving and Celebrating our Legacy
Please note our website is currently being worked on. More pages and content will be coming soon.
Festival of Trees
Free Admission
DECEMBER 6 & 7 | 4 PM TO 8 PM
DECEMBER 8 | 2 PM TO 6 PM
at the Deep Ríver Historical Society
View the festival’s beautifully decorated holiday trees curated by Deep River’s non-profits, businesses and youth groups.
Friday: Melodic Clarinets
Saturday: Deep River Juniors
Sunday: Guitar & Christmas Carols
People’s Choice Awards: Vote for your favorites on Friday & Saturday. Awards will be given on Sunday.
Hot chocolate and treats provided by DRHS and community volunteers.
Who We Are
Three museums in one…
The Stone House was built in 1841 from locally-quarried stone. Three generations of the Southworth family called the Stone House their home, where we now display some of their original furnishings as well as donations resonant of that period. The property, which was bequeathed to us from Ada Southworth Munson in 1946, also includes a Carriage House (available for event rentals), a Bleach House from the days of ivory manufacturing, and extensive grounds.
2. Our Collections
In addition to the Southworth bequest of a furnished home, the Deep River Historical Society curates our community’s history through artifacts, documents, maps, diaries, letters, art, and much more. Our rotating exhibits have recently highlighted Deep River’s centuries of industry from wharf to waterfall, contributions to women’s suffrage and activism, and the sacrifices of the men and women of Deep River during World War II. And we are planning more!
3. Our Programs
We provide Deep River with a lively roster of events, including period teas, the strawberry social, antique car shows, and the holiday Festival of Trees, along with year-round, though-provoking talks by authors and residents about local history and its colorful personalities.
Memberships
Access all exhibitions & program updates
Membership includes a subscription to the Society’s newsletter and free admission to exhibits.
Become a Member
Please note, this society is an independent charitable organization. It receives no town or state funding. Any contribution above basic membership is tax deductible, and is most appreciated.
News & Articles
Week 9: Jones’s Garage
This week the focus is on Main Street, where so many of our businesses were repurposed from older businesses. This just reinforces what we talked about last week! That Deep River is a town with love and respect for the past, refurbishing old buildings and repurposing...
Summer Scavenger Hunt Week 8!
Find the monument honoring our Revolutionary War Soldiers in Winthrop Cemetery. It is the monument in front of the flagpole at Winthrop Cemetery, placed there for the Bicentennial and dedicated in 1976. A wreath is laid there every Memorial Day. The...
Week 7: Pratt Read Factory aka Pianoworks on Main Street
We started this challenge by locating the Deep River. Now it's time to talk about the factories that took their power from that river. Unfortunately, most of them are no longer standing due to age or fire. The Pratt, Read & Co. Factory built in 1881 still...
Week 6! Captain Calvin Williams’ Home
Last week we took a look at the men who built ships in Deep River. This week’s challenge involves looking for the men who sailed the ships, sometimes known as “Blue Water Masters.” Captain Calvin Williams built his stately home on Kirtland St in view of the CT...
Scavenger Hunt Week 5! Shipbuilding on the CT River
This week’s challenge involves finding the home of one of Deep River’s shipbuilders, Eli Denison. This house is located on the corner of Phelps Lane and River Street, overlooking the Lace Factory and the CT River. This house is privately owned. Thomas Denison’s...
Week 4: Denison Wood Planes Factory – Winthrop
This week’s challenge will take you to Winthrop to find a spot where the Denison Factory once was. It’s a great opportunity to stay and have a slice of pizza (hint hint). The G.W. Denison Factory was located on Route 80 in Winthrop and burned to the ground in 1910....