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.
Upcoming Events
Meet Frank Santoro as he discusses Deep River’s 19th Century seafaring history.
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
Wharf to Waterfall: Deep River and the Industrial Revolution Exhibit to Open!
The Deep River Historical Society will open its doors to showcase new exhibits funded with a matching grant of $11, 694 from the Connecticut Humanities. This will bring to life the story of the Deep River Stream, the mills and factories built along its banks, and how...
Deep River Historical Society Board of Trustees Welcomes New Members!
The Deep River Historical Society held its annual meeting virtually this year due to COVID -19 restrictions. Voting of the membership was done electronically with a few votes being cast by paper ballot. The membership unanimously elected Veronica Makowsky...
It’s Women’s History Month! Watch Part Two of our Celebrating Women Series!
How appropriate for the second part of our Celebrating Women Series to be posted in March. Expanding Rights, Expanding Roles, 1950 – 2000 is now available. Celebrating 100 years of Women’s Achievements In 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provided...
The Festival of Light, Hope, and Art Shines Bright!
It has been a challenging year. Thank you to ALL who participated in this year’s Festival of Light, Hope and Art. You brought light into the darkness, hope for a brighter new year and some art to lift our spirits. Thank you to all of our friends and neighbors who also...
Festival of Light, Hope & Art in the News!
Thank you Zip06 for highlighting this community event! The holiday season might look a little different this year! But Covid-19 can't crush our holiday spirit! www.zip06.com/news/20201201/deep-riverx2019s-x2018festival-of-light-hope-and-artx2019-starts-dec-5
Celebrating Women Part One
While COVID has closed our doors it has not stopped the curatorial teams of Chester, Deep River and Essex. They have been hard at work collecting stories of women who have impacted our communities over the last 100 years. We have reached out to families to tell the...