Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. In more than 160 countries worldwide, approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 30,000 Rotary clubs. The essence of the membership, "an amazing array of people who have served Deep River in a number of ways," as Dr. Duckworth notes, is maintained through weekly lunch meetings currently held at The Ivory Restaurant and Pub located at 1 Kirtland Street in Deep River. Fulfilling a motto of "Service Above Self" requires dedication, generosity of spirit, and a willingness to roll up one's sleeves and work hard to meet our goals.

The Deep River Rotary Club is a civic club celebrating its 52nd year of existence. The club's roots trace back to 1948 when 19 civic and business leaders formed the Civic Club of Deep River. Two years later, on December 12, 1950, the club was charted as the Deep River Rotary Club when the Saybrook Chapter relinquished the territory of Deep River. Initially a club for men only, in 1989 Rotary International opened membership to women. In Deep River, Eileen Fitzgerald became the first female member, and in 1994, Dr. Alice Duckworth became the club's first female president.

Throughout the club's 52 years of history, much has been accomplished. In addition to its service to the community, the club is known for a variety of fundraiser's. The annual antique auto show, fall foliage bike tours, Valentine roses, pancake breakfasts, holiday tours of homes, and wine tasting and silent auctions have contributed to the means in which the club funds its philanthropic goals.