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

DRHS Celebrates Black History Month

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

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...

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!

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

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...