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…

Deep River Historical Society

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

Deep River Community Coming Together to Help During Covid-19.

Deep River Community Coming Together to Help During Covid-19.

A Mission Trip in Our Own Back Yard The Deep River Congregational Church sponsors a Mission Trip every summer to a location that needs help. The Teen Issues class consisting of teens from 9th to 12th grade and their councilors had raised money to travel to North...

DRHS Mid Summer Covid-19 Update -Impact on our Society

DRHS Mid Summer Covid-19 Update -Impact on our Society

In an effort to follow guidelines and to keep volunteers and the community safe everything at the Deep River Historical Society closed down the first week of March. The Stone House will remain closed to the public for the remainder of the season. Volunteer staff has...

Historic Plantings at the DRHS

Historic Plantings at the DRHS

Fanny Munson Caladium It’s Spring in New England and gardeners are finally able to get their hands in the dirt.  Marian Staye, our building and grounds co-chair, is already out getting our gardens ready to welcome visitors back to the Deep River Historical...

$415,000 in Emergency Relief Funding Awarded to 56 CT Organizations

$415,000 in Emergency Relief Funding Awarded to 56 CT Organizations

CT Humanities CARES Act Humanities Relief Grants –Awards Announcement The Deep River Historical Society is thrilled and grateful to be one of the many the recipients of the CARES Act Humanities Relief Grant sponsored by Connecticut Humanities. On July 2nd CT...

Congratulations to the Class of 2020

Congratulations to the Class of 2020

The Deep River Historical Society is proud to host the Valley Regional High School Senior Photo Signs! They have been placed on our front lawn for the community to enjoy and celebrate the class of 2020. These signs have traveled from the Essex Fire House, to the...

Harry Tyler’s Gun on Display

Harry Tyler’s Gun on Display

After the closure of Citizens Bank in Deep River, many community members were concerned about the future of Harry Tyler's Winchester Rifle. This rifle was used in the infamous Deep River bank robbery of 1899. Harry Tyler used it to defend the bank, killing the man...