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

Notes from Our Annual Tea

Notes from Our Annual Tea

Another sold out event! The weather turned warm and sunny. Ladies arrived in their summer bonnets to sip their tea and enjoy and entertaining and educational program by Kandie Carle of East Haddam. Better known as the Victorian...

Get Out and Vote!

Get Out and Vote!

Donations are our lifeblood and Essex Savings Bank is giving thousands of dollars to help aid our efforts. Essex Savings Bank will be collecting votes throughout the month of February. At the end of this period, the votes are tallied and translate into a percentage of...

Festival of Trees 2018

Festival of Trees 2018

See highlights of our 6 th Annual Festival of Trees courtesy of Kristie Kaminski photographer of Valley Shore Community TV. Check out this link or visit their web site for a listing of viewing times on Channel 19....

Honoring Our Tri-Town Veterans

Honoring Our Tri-Town Veterans

Veteran's Photos Needed! Let's Honor Our Tri-Town Veterans — Find those old photos to submit to be featured in the Patriotic Salute! Deep River, Chester and Essex Historical Societies are working together to create a Patriotic Salute to commemorate the 100th...

PT Boats and the Connecticut Connection

PT Boats and the Connecticut Connection

On June 19th, the Deep River Historical Society and Chester Historical Society hosted a presentation on Connecticut's connection with PT boats dating back to World War II. Our Shoreline towns have had an important maritime history that has continued into modern times....

Then & Now

Then & Now

The Deep River Historical Society will be opening for the summer season on Saturday June 30th from 2-4 pm and welcoming visiting guests on most weekends until early September. To kick off the first day we are hosting a reception and program introduction. There will be...