Introduction

Naples Historical Society, Inc., widely recognized as the Central Voice of Naples History, is a local 501c3 nonprofit organization that was established in 1962. 

The mission of Naples Historical Society is to preserve Naples history and heritage for the community and future generations to enjoy.

We also own Naples Historical Society Foundation, Inc.  The Foundation, also a 501c3, was established in 2009 with a separate Federal Employment Identification Number (FEIN) to house and grow endowment funds.  These funds help to support the Society’s vast array of initiatives and programs.  The Board of Directors is the same for both entities. 

The strategy we employ to accomplish our mission is through the efficient production of ten (10) educational programs and five (5) preservation initiatives, see also What Do We Do?

The Society’s flagship asset is also its Educational Headquarters — Historic Palm Cottage™. This 3,500 sq ft house-turned museum (which is Naples oldest house , built in 1895) is listed as a Landmark in the National Register of Historic Places (listed in 1982). The Cottage serves as the portal to Naples history and is enjoyed by tens of thousands of children, residents and visitors alike every year.  All of our educational programs and events are held at Historic Palm Cottage:  137 12th Avenue South.

A ½-acre property adjacent to the Cottage is a lovely garden, The Norris Gardens at Palm Cottage. This property was acquired in 2004 to protect the scale and charm of the Cottage and to prevent a parking lot or other construction inconsistent with the presence of Historic Palm Cottage. The Norris Gardens at Palm Cottage beautifully complements the Cottage because it serves to tell the story of Naples history through the lens of a garden.  It is available to rent for your special party or reception!