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

Waterfalls to the Wharf & Beyond

Waterfalls to the Wharf & Beyond

Celebrate Deep River Day Thursday, Sept 12, 7 PM  |  10 am to 2 pm 245 Main Street, Deep River CT Join a family scavenger hunt, explore our collections and discover our treasures. Prizes and tons of fun for all! Don’t miss our Lost Swords exhibit and join curator...

The Lost Swords of the Great White Fleet

The Lost Swords of the Great White Fleet

The Lost Swords of the Great White Fleet Opens, Sunday, June 2, 2-4 PM In 1906, President Teddy Roosevelt launched the the US Navy’s Great White Fleet on an eighteen-month world tour. One of the officers collected dozens of swords along the way. Fifty years later they...

Radical Women, The Suffragists, 2023

Radical Women, The Suffragists, 2023

At the Deep River Town Hall Theatre Saturday, Oct. 21, and Sunday, Oct. 22 at 2:00 pm Talkback immediately following each show. Radical Women, The SuffragistsA New Musical by Patty CarverDirected by Jerry GoehringMusic by Leo Carusone, Patty Carver, & Andrew...

Killingworth Quilt and Fiber Arts Show, 2023

Killingworth Quilt and Fiber Arts Show, 2023

Deep River Historical Society is participating in the Killingworth Quilt and Fiber Arts Show at the Parmalee Farm on September 23 and 24th Four of our historic quilts will be on display. The Killingworth Historical Society will host a Quilt and Fiber Art Show on...

Jason Scappaticci on The Connecticut Witch Trials 2023

Jason Scappaticci on The Connecticut Witch Trials 2023

 Monday, October 30th, 7 PM, The Carriage House There are few people who know witch trials even took place outside of Salem. However, Connecticut led the way in the prosecution and execution of witches almost 50 years before the Salem Witch Trials began. Learn more...

Deep River Day is Farm Day at the Deep River Historical Society!

Deep River Day is Farm Day at the Deep River Historical Society!

 Saturday, September 16th; 10 AM to 2 PM The Carriage House Annex has gotten a facelift! We are opening the Carriage House and the Annex on Deep River Day for a display of rarely viewed items from our farm collection. Did you know that Lozzelle Platt grew tobacco in...