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
Coming Soon
The Lost Swords of the Greet 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!
DRHS Annual Strawberry Social
Sunday, June 9, 1-3:30 PM
Join your neighbors and enjoy this traditional community event and help support our mission.
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
Celebrating our WWII Vets-Edith May Anderson
Edith May Anderson is one of seven women who enlisted during WWII from (Saybrook) Deep River. She enlisted in the U.S. Navy and earned the rank of Yeoman 3rd class. Prior to enlisting, Edith worked as the secretary of R. W. Stevens in the procurement department...
Celebrating our WWII Vets – Victor Malcarne
At age 29 Vic enlisted in the Army in 1943 and was stationed at Fort Blanding, Florida. He described his stay there like this, “The weather is very hot. We start off at 7:45 am for our basic training, and at 5:45 pm we have retreat. I am with a swell group of...
Celebrating our WWII Vets- Herbert B. Kurze
In January of 1943 three seniors left Deep River High School to enter service. Herbert Kurze, an outstanding athlete from the class of 43 was inducted into the army on Jan 30th with fellow classmates Robert Ressler, and Lewis Francis. The Journalism Club dedicated the...
Celebrate 75 Years Officially as Deep River
Town’s name changed to Deep River! Governor James L. McConaughy signed a bill written by Joe Waz and Ossian Ray officially changing our name to Deep River on June 2, 1947, effective July 1, 1947. It’s Official! No longer will the people wonder why Deep River is...
Celebrating our WWII Vets – John P. Holmes
In 1941 John was a student at the University of Georgia and left for Canada to join the Canadian service. Arriving at the border on the day that Japan attacked the Philippines, John changed his mind and returned home to enlist in the U.S. forces. He enlisted in...
Announcing our Summer Opening & New Exhibit!
Deep River Historical Society will open its doors for the Summer Season on Saturday, June 4th from 1:00-4:00 pm and feature our newest exhibit, "Remembering Our World War II Veterans." It’s been 80 years since the United States became involved in World War II...