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
Meet Frank Santoro as he discusses Deep River’s 19th Century seafaring history.
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
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...
More Deep River Stories Released!
Deep River Historical Society Trustee Frank Santoro released his latest book "MORE DEEP RIVER STORIES" at the Carriage House on Sept 22nd. These ten stories focused on the Personalities of the Deep River, some stories of immigration and the people who made a new life...
Celebrating our WWII Vets – Elizabeth Woodland
Elizabeth Woodland was born in 1921, the daughter of Stuart and Elvera Woodland of Rattling Valley Rd. She was a graduate of Deep River High School and Becker College. In 1943 she enlisted in the Woman’s Army Air Corps, one of only six women from Deep River who...
Celebrating our WWII Vets- The Miezejeski Family
This small town of Saybrook, as we were known then, sent 416 young men and women off to war. Eighty-five families sent more than one son or daughter. Anna Miezejeski had six stars hanging on her kitchen door for her five sons and one son-in-law. That’s a lot of worry...
Celebrating our WWII Vets-Stanely Stopa & the 296th Combat Engineer Battalion
In March of 1943, a group of 13 Deep River “Boys” left together and formed a Combat Engineers Unit which kept them together throughout the war. Stanley Stopa enlisted at the age of 19 years in the U.S. Army. Stan left by bus from East Hampton, CT with 13 other...