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
Deep River Legend Showcased in CT River Museum’s Production
What do history, theater and Halloween have in common? Why it's Haunted River at the Connecticut River Museum in Essex! This 5 scene play/haunted walking tour takes place on the grounds of the museum this October. This year will be the 3rd version of Haunted River...
Deep River Historical Society Awarded Grant
July 1, 2019 - Deep River Historical Society has been awarded a grant by the CT Humanities to create a new interactive exhibit at the Stone House detailing the rise of the Village of Deep River to an Industrial Hub. “From Wharf to Waterfall: Deep River and the...
Westport Talk
Friday June 14th, curator Rhonda Forristall spoke at the Westport Historical Society and told the story of Billy Winters' journey on the Underground Railroad. The well attended event complimented Westport Historical Society’s current exhibit "Remembered" which...
New 2019 Summer Exhibit
Starting Saturday June 15th, Deep River Historical Society presents a Celebration of the Winthrop Baptist Church in honor of the Church's 275th Anniversary. Winthrop is a small community that is part of the town of Deep River and an important part of the history of...
DRHS Receives Award of Merit
The Connecticut League of History Organizations presents Awards of Merit annually to institutions and individuals who demonstrate the highest of professional standards and who enhance and further the understanding of Connecticut history. The purpose of the awards is...
2019 Annual Meeting & Pot luck Supper
The Deep River Historical Society's Annual Meeting was held March 20th with a pot luck supper and entertaining program by Rhonda Forristall and the Curatorial Committee. Rhonda and committee have co-sponsored a grant from Middlesex Community Foundation with Chester...