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
On Display
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 ended up in a sea-chest hidden in the attic of the Historical Society’s Stone House. But they have not seen the light of day, until now!
Coming Soon
The History of the Fife and Drum Corps in Connecticut and Beyond!
Join us at The Deep River Historical Society for this timely presentation
July 18, 7pm
DRHS members always free, general admission $5
Who We Are
Three museums in one…
1. Our Buildings
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
November 29th: Our National Day of Giving
Are you stuffed from all that turkey and fixings? Had enough consuming?The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, this year November 29th, was designated our Day of Givingto help us remember that the holidays are about the joys of giving and to celebrate the American tradition...
Thank You to Our Veterans
This Veteran’s Day we give THANKS to all who have served our country and continue to recognize those 416 men and women who served Deep River during World War II. In March of 1943, fourteen young men from Saybrook enlisted in the army and left by bus for Fort Devens....
November 8 is Election Day and the Trustees of the Deep River Historical Society hope you all go out and VOTE.
We would like to share just a few words about another of Deep River’s WWII veterans. Joseph Waz enlisted in the U.S. Army in January of 1942 at the age of 29. He served “hard” duty in an anti-aircraft battery with the 6th Army in New Guinea and other parts of the...
The Celebration Continues
In recognition of the 75th anniversary of Deep River’s name change, we continue to celebrate everything Deep River. On October 23 there will be a program at the Deep River Town Hall with Big Band Music, refreshments, and much, much more. Tickets are available for FREE...
Erik Hesselberg Book Talk- Night Boat to New York
On Sunday afternoon October 2nd, the Deep River Historical Society and the Chester Historical Societies welcome Erik Hesselberg to the Chester Meeting House. This well-known author and Haddam native will be speaking about steamboats on the CT River (1815 to 1931) and...
Winners from the Orphan Car Show!
Congratulations to the winners of the People's Choice awards. Tied for First Place are Cliff Baker with his 1929 Viking V29 and Tom Matthews with his 1976 Mercury Grand Marquis. Cliff's car also took 1st place in 2019. Tied for second place are Fred Bauer with his...