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

November 29th: Our National Day of Giving

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

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....

The Celebration Continues

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

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...