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
Deep River Historical Society Receives Connecticut Humanities “American Rescue Plan” COVID Relief Funding, a CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant, and a grant from the Community Foundation of Middlesex County/Westbrook Family Fund.
The Society is grateful for the continued support of CT Humanities, the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, and the Westbrook Family. Without the financial support of these organizations, Deep River Historical Society would struggle to serve its...
Festival of Trees ~ Thank You!
Thank you to all who participated in this year's Festival of Trees. Voting was very difficult this year as there were so many wonderful choices. The creativity each year is so amazing. We have so many talented people in our community and we are grateful to all of our...
Tis the Season to Luminate Deep River!
Christmas is the season of light. The Society is selling LUMINARIES for $25.00. Please consider joining us in lighting up Deep River this holiday season by decorating a luminary in honor of or in memory of someone in your life who was the light of your life. Someone...
Scarecrow at DRHS
We are loving our Scarecrow this year! DRHS Trustee and Town Historian Richard Kalapos has recreated the Leatherman persona for the Society this year. The Leatherman is a legend in this part of Connecticut as he wandered from town to town making an annual circuit from...
Watch Simon LaPlace’s DRHS Talks – “Who Do You Think You Are?” & “Main Street”
Deep River Historical Society invited Simon R. LaPlace to give an informative talk at the Carriage House on September 23, 2021. He has recorded his talk and divided it into two parts. Part 1 entitled “Who Do You Think You Are?” traces Simon’s family roots back...
Deep River Family Day at the Stone House 2021
Family Day is September 18, 2021. The Stone House will be open from 10am to 2pm with a Grand Finale Scavenger Hunt for all age groups! We want you to find the “gems” hidden in plain sight. Stop in and see us. We have a lot to show you. This will also be the last...