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
Remembering Those that Served
The practice of decorating the graves of fallen soldiers for Memorial Day dates back to the end of the Civil War. Memorial Day is a day to remember those who served and died for our freedom. The Deep River Historical Society has created a new exhibit highlighting the...
DRHS Senior Highlights Suffragette Exhibit
Eric Mengler, a Senior student at Valley Regional High School created this video of Deep River Historical Society's Suffragette exhibit that ran from 2020 to 2021. He photographed and researched archives to create this video as part of his capstone project. ...
New Historical Society Officers; Thank you Jeff for your years of dedication!
The Deep River Historical Society elected a new president for the first time in 32 years! President Jeff Hostetler thanked the membership for their support and said he was leaving the society in good hands. Sue Wisner is also stepping down as secretary, a role she has...
ANNUAL MEETING March 16, 2022, at 7 pm.
The Board of Trustees has voted to hold the Annual Meeting in person this year. This was a difficult decision, but with COVID numbers coming down we felt it was important to host an in-person meeting. We will ask everyone to wear a mask and seats will be placed at...
DRHS Celebrates Black History Month
Deep River Historical Society celebrates Black History Month by remembering its citizens who contributed so much to their community. Billy Winter's story touched and inspired so many lives here and throughout the state. Winter Avenue is named for him and the...
Notice of DRHS Annual Meeting
Annual Meeting to be held Wednesday, March 16th at 7 pm. Please watch the website for information on where it will be held. We are hoping for an in-person meeting however, we need to be cognizant of covid issues and it may again need to be virtual. So, stay...