Naples Historical Society
Naples Historical Society - 137 12th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102      Call: 239.261.8164  


 


In the News - Press Releases

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                                                                                                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 19, 2010

                                                                                                                CONTACT:  Elaine Reed, Executive Director

                                                                                                                (239) 261-8164

 

Summer Oral History Film Exhibit Schedule

NAPLES, FL --  The new Cottage Theater at the Naples Historical Society (NHS) has seen a flurry of activity since the March release of full-length feature films from the organization’s impressive oral history project.  Many Members, residents, visitors, tour groups, and more have enjoyed watching remarkable stories from many Naples pioneering families in the charming Cottage Theater.  Filmed in high-definition and shown on state-of-the-art Blue Ray equipment, these films are a treasure for the community.  “History in the form of a family story is a powerful tool to learn about a community, and captured as these stories have been, each will resonate in perpetuity,” says Elaine Reed, the organization’s Executive Director. 

                Reed says that the project to record and showcase oral histories will continue.  Slated for interviews this summer are several people who they themselves or their families made contributions to Naples development that have had important and lasting effects on today’s community.   Reed concludes, “Long-time residents and newcomers alike can learn about Naples history in many ways, but oral histories have proven to be one of the best resources when they are available.” 

Palm Cottage™ is located at 137 12th Avenue South, just one block east of the Naples Pier.  Historic Palm Cottage is open Wednesday and Saturday from 1-4 p.m.  $8 per person is the requested donation to access the Cottage Theater and/or for a tour of historic Palm Cottage; members are FREE.  For more information, please visit www.NaplesHistoricalSociety.org or call the Naples Historical Society at 239-261-8164.         


 

                                                                                                                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 31, 2010

                                                                                                                CONTACT:  Elaine Reed, Executive Director

                                                                                                                (239) 261-8164

May is Preservation Month--Free Tours for Mom!

NAPLES, FL --   In conjunction with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Naples Historical Society is pleased to commemorate the month of May as Preservation Month.  This is the Trust’s sixth annual such recognition.  The national preservation theme for this year is Old is the New Green. 

To honor Naples history and heritage, and to pay respect to all Mothers in the community who are a vital link between the past, present and the future, all Moms may tour historic Palm Cottage™, Naples oldest house, for FREE during the month of May.  Book a tour of all Moms in your family!!!  After any tour in May, 2010, all visitors will be able to relax in the new Cottage Theater and enjoy personal family stories captured for the Society’s oral history project, Naples Oral Histories: If These Walls Could Talk!.  Two featured stories in May include those from Ivie & David Weeks and Vera & Bob Lindabury, two of whom are wonderful Mothers! 

Palm Cottage was built in 1895 and is listed on the National Register for Historic Places.  During May, Palm Cottage is open from 1-4 p.m. on every Wednesday and Saturday.  Reservations are not required.  Requested donations for those of you who are NOT Moms are $8 per adult and $5 per child.  Members are always free. 

The Naples Historical Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that receives no government funding and relies on membership dues and donations to survive.  Palm Cottage™ is located at 137 12th Avenue South, just one block east of the Naples Pier.  For more information, please call the Naples Historical Society at 261-8164.         

Naples Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage

of the community and future generations to enjoy.


                                                                                                               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 29, 2010

                                                                                                              CONTACT:  Elaine Reed, Executive Director

                                                                                                                (239) 261-8164

 

New, FREE Activity Book Now Available for Elementary-Aged Children

NAPLES, FL --  Thanks to the Barron Gift Collier Jr. Foundation and Sunbelt-USA, the Naples Historical Society (NHS) is pleased to announce that all elementary-aged children who take a tour of historic Palm Cottage™, Naples oldest house built in 1895, or take a FREE school-organized Pupils at Palm Cottage field trip, will now receive a FREE 16-page Activity Book that serves as a fun educational tool that reinforces facts about Naples history and heritage.  One will be distributed to every child after taking a tour.  From a Crossword Puzzle to a Word Smith to True or False and more, children will enjoy recollecting what they’ve learned about this community’s history.  A PDF of this book will be available in late spring for anyone to download and print from the Naples Historical Society website.   (An Answer Key is available by email only.) 

                Jack Bovee, Social Studies Coordinator with the School District of Collier County, has said that Pupils at Palm Cottage, our specially tailored children’s tours, is “…one of the best FREE field trips anywhere!”  After students take this special tour, they become Pupils at Palm Cottage. 

                Bring a child(ren) or students to tour historic Palm Cottage and each child will receive a FREE Activity Book to test their knowledge of Naples past and have fun at the same time.  

The Naples Historical Society receives no government funding and relies on membership dues and donations to survive.  Palm Cottage™ is located at 137 12th Avenue South, just one block east of the Naples Pier.  Palm Cottage and The Norris Gardens are open throughout the year.  $8 per adult is the requested donation; $5 per child or FREE with a school-organized Field Trip.  For Field Trip information including yellow bus transportation reimbursement, operating hours and more information, please visit http://www.napleshistoricalsociety.org/ or call the Naples Historical Society at 239-261-8164.         

Naples Historical Society, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization,  is dedicated to preserving Naples history and heritage for the community and future generations to enjoy.

--END—

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 23, 2010

CONTACT:  Elaine Reed, Executive Director

(239) 261-8164

New Cottage Theater & Oral History Film Exhibit Schedule

NAPLES, FL --  Naples Historical Society (NHS) is pleased to announce the opening of the new Cottage Theater, a 16-seat venue in which visitors to historic Palm Cottage™ can view the Society’s 24-minute Oral History Premier debut film and individual oral histories of those (or their descendants) who have contributed to the development of Naples.  (Reference the attached Film Exhibit Schedule.)  The notion of recording oral histories in Naples began with Merle Harris, an early Board member of the Naples Historical Society, and dates back to the mid 1960s.  

With a massive archival collection already in its possession, the Naples Historical Society will add these oral history gems and share them, and others over time, with the public in this new Theater.  Join as a Member and view every oral history as each is released during the year. 

The Naples Historical Society receives no government funding and relies on membership dues and donations to survive.  Palm Cottage™ is located at 137 12th Avenue South, just one block east of the Naples Pier.  Palm Cottage is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1-4 p.m.  The requested donation is $8 per person and that donation includes a visit to the Cottage Theater.  For more information, please visit http://www.napleshistoricalsociety.org/ or call the Naples Historical Society at 239-261-8164.  Naples Historical Society, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization,  is dedicated to preserving Naples history and heritage for the community and future generations to enjoy.




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  December 18, 2009

CONTACT:  Elaine Reed, Executive Director
(239) 261-8164

 

Oral History Premier on a BIG Screen!

NAPLES, FL --   Naples Historical Society is pleased to announce the debut of a major preservation initiative called Naples Oral Histories: If These Walls Could Talk!  This commemorates a long-term project that filmed in broadcast quality, high definition countless “slices of life” from individuals and family members who have contributed to the development of Naples over the last many decades.  The recording of oral histories isn’t a new idea, but the organized process to collect numerous stories, showcase them in a museum theater in Naples oldest house—Palm Cottage™, and create a high-quality DVD series with enjoyable story morsels from these oral histories defines the idea of preservation of his-story…or her story.   

                Peter Thomas, NHS Board Member and Oral History Committee Advisor, has graciously agreed to offer his world-renowned voice talent to the edited DVD series!  His first interviewee will be Maria Stone, highly regarded Collier County historian, which will take place at Palm Cottage™ on Friday, October 31, 2008. 

David Weeks, a 5th generation descendant of Madison Weeks, agrees and is expending energy to help contact others who should be a part of this project.  Madison Weeks, one of our original pioneers, was known for his fishing camp and the homesteading of Gordon Pass (which was sold for $450 in the late-1800s). 

                Filming and production are scheduled from Fall 2008 through Summer 2009.  The final product, an edited DVD series, is estimated to be completed by September 2009. 

The Naples Historical Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that owns and operates Naples oldest house, the Palm Cottage™ house museum, located at 137 12th Avenue South, just one block east of the Naples Pier.  For more information on this project or our educational docent-guided tours, please call the Naples Historical Society at 261-8164.         



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  December 22, 2009

CONTACT:  Elaine Reed, Executive Director

(239) 261-8164

2010 Historic Homes Tour

NAPLES, FL -- Naples Historical Society (NHS) is pleased to announce our very popular spring fundraiser, the 2010 Historic Homes Tour.  The benefit will begin on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 10 a.m. at historic Palm Cottage™ (Naples oldest house).  Society Docents will lead a tour from Palm Cottage to three beautifully restored historic homes, all located near the house museum.  The interiors of each of the homes are gorgeous and each tells a wonderful story.  The homes are some of the oldest and most historic in the District and are affectionately known as Mandalay, Palm Villa (the old DuPont Estate) and Martha’s Cottage.  Where are they, What does each look like, What is the historical significance?  Join us for the event to learn more!  All three homes represent the importance and meaning of preservation.  The Historic Homes Tour will culminate with a scrumptious luncheon served with wine in The Norris Gardens at Palm Cottage. 

Tickets are $200 per person.  As event space is limited, early reservations are encouraged!  Invitations will be mailed to members and friends in January 2010.  To join the mailing list, call 239-261-8164 today. 

The Naples Historical Society receives no government funding and relies on membership dues and donations to survive.  Palm Cottage™ is located at 137 12th Avenue South, just one block east of the Naples Pier.  Palm Cottage and The Norris Gardens are open Tuesday through Saturday from 1-4 p.m.  $8 per person is the requested donation.  For more information, please visit http://www.napleshistoricalsociety.org/ or call the Naples Historical Society at 239-261-8164.         

Naples Historical Society, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is dedicated to preserving Naples history and heritage

For the community and future generations to enjoy.



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  December 7, 2009

CONTACT:  Elaine Reed, Executive Director

(239) 261-8164

 

Garden Side Chickee Chats at Historic Palm Cottage

NAPLES, FL --  Naples Historical Society (NHS) is pleased to announce its lineup of Garden Side Chickee Chats for 2010, a series of three FREE public presentations steeped in educational information to promote a positive perspective on preserving our history and heritage.  Each presentation will take place in The Chickee Pavilion in The Norris Gardens at Palm Cottage.  Attendees to any or all of the 2010 Chickee Chats will receive a complimentary gift.  Reservations are recommended as seating is limited.  Call 239-261-8164. 

Friday, January 29

11a-12p

Garden Side Chickee Chat 1 of 3:

Naples Oral Histories: Tomorrow’s Old Timers

Subject: Neapolitan youth from circa 1950s…What was Naples like for kids growing up during that time? 

Speakers:  Ray Carroll, Lodge McKee, and Nick Turner, all Caretakers of Naples History

Friday, February 12

11a-12p

Garden Side Chickee Chat 2 of 3:

Archeological Landscapes of Naples

Subject: Naples physical evolution is directly connected to what Naples has become today.  Learn from one of the best authorities in town! 

Speaker:  John Beriault, Past President of the NHS and Archeologist for the Archeological & Historical Conservancy, Inc.  

Friday, February 26

11a-12p

Garden Side Chickee Chat 3 of 3: 

Edison, Ford and Friends – Edison & Ford Winter Estates

Subject:  This captivating lecture describes the excitement of two of America’s greatest inventors, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.  Hear the stories of how they met, trips they took, and the famous friends they made along the way.  

Speaker:  Chris Pendleton, President & CEO, Edison & Ford Winter Estates

               

The Naples Historical Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization headquartered at historic Palm Cottage™, located at 137 12th Avenue South, just one block east of the Naples Pier.  Palm Cottage and The Norris Gardens at Palm Cottage are open Tuesday through Saturday from 1-4 p.m.  $8 per person is the requested donation.  For more information, please visit http://www.napleshistoricalsociety.org/ or call the Naples Historical Society at 239-261-8164.       

Naples Historical Society is dedicated to preserving Naples history and heritage

For the community and future generations to enjoy.



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
:  September 20, 2009

CONTACT:  Elaine Reed, Executive Director

(239) 261-8164

Annual Christmas Gala at Palm Cottage

Friday, December 4, 2009

NAPLES, FL --   Thanks to the generous support of our Presenting Sponsor, BNY Mellon Wealth Management, and an unprecedented list of Annual and family sponsors, the Naples Historical Society is pleased to announce that its Annual Christmas Gala will be held at Palm Cottage", Naples' oldest house (1895), on Friday, December 4, 2009 at 7PM.  Historic Palm Cottage and The Norris Gardens at Palm Cottage will serve as the unique Christmas venue for an elegant, black-tie dinner party featuring an evening of exquisite formal dining and entertainment.  As with last year, the house-turned museum will be beautifully decorated by Brimmer's Custom Décor, a local and highly respected holiday decorating establishment.  While there is limited seating, early reservations are encouraged.    

Palm Cottage is located at 137 12th Avenue South, just one block east of the Naples Pier.  Per Person dinner donation is $300, Patron level support is $500.  Angel Tables of 8 are also available for $5,000.  For more information, please call the Naples Historical Society at 239-261-8164.           

Naples Historical Society is dedicated to preserving Naples history and heritage for the community and future generations to enjoy.






                                   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  September 20, 2009

CONTACT:  Elaine Reed, Executive Director 
(239) 261-8164

  Volunteers Needed                                                                                                             

Meet Santa in The Gardens During Christmas at Palm Cottage!

NAPLES, FL --   Naples Historical Society is pleased to announce another season of Christmas at Palm Cottage.  A community favorite, the annual holiday display at Naples oldest house (built in 1895) will be beautifully decorated for the season.  With the generous support from BNY Mellon Wealth Management and an unprecedented list of Annual and family sponsors, this season's events are sure to be the best ever.  As with last year, the decorations will be brought to life through Brimmer's Custom Décor, a well respected local holiday decoration company with over 15 years of commercial and residential experience.   Thanks go to Brimmer's for their underwriting support. 

This year is very special because Santa Claus will be available in The Norris Gardens at Palm Cottage for children to meet on December 10, 11, and 12 from 4 to 7 p.m.  Children under ten (10) years of age will be admitted FREE with a maximum of two children accompanied by one adult. 

Christmas at Palm Cottage will commence this year on Veteran's Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 1 p.m.  Joe Frazier, Retired U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant and organizer of the Hodges University Veterans Club says, "Acknowledgement of our Veterans with an event kick off like this helps to convey that veterans are dearly appreciated."  All Veteran's will be admitted free on opening day only, November 11th, when accompanied by another adult. 

Hours of operations are:  November, Tuesday through Saturday, 1-4 p.m., closed on Thanksgiving Day; December 1-31, Tuesday & Wednesday, 1-4 p.m. and Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 1-8 p.m., closed on Friday, December 4th and on Christmas Day. 

The Naples Historical Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that receives no government funding and relies on membership dues and donations to survive.  Palm Cottage is located at 137 12th Avenue South, just one block east of the Naples Pier.  For more information, please visit http://www.napleshistoricalsociety.org/ or call the Naples Historical Society at 239-261-8164.           

Naples Historical Society is dedicated to preserving Naples history and heritage

For the community and future generations to enjoy.

 

                                        

Palm Cottage
Docent-guided Tours of the Palm Cottage™
House Museum
(includes a self-guided stroll through The Norris Gardens)
 
Norris Gardens
Docent-guided Tours of The Norris Gardens
(includes a self-guided tour of Palm Cottage™)
 
Historic Third Street
Naples Historic District Walking Tours
(includes a Docent-guided tour of Palm Cottage™ and a self-guided stroll through The Gardens)
       
 Naples Historical Society 137 12th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102 - Tel: 239.261.8164