The Past Revealed at Palm Cottage
Built in 1895, Naples Historic Palm Cottage™ is the oldest house in Naples and is located at the corner of 12th Avenue South and Gulfshore Boulevard. Under the preservation of the Naples Historical Society, the Palm Cottage™ house museum lets visitors experience the rustic, hand-crafted charm of Old Naples through guided tours where trained docents share unique insights, historic facts and colorful tales about this local architectural gem and the community surrounding it. Constructed of tabby mortar, a hand-made concrete consisting sand, shells and water, this two-story home was built by one Walter N. Haldeman, one of Naples founding residents. The home offers 3,500 sq. ft. of original and donated artwork, furnishings and tools spanning over 100 years. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., no reservations are necessary.
Proud to partner with the local educational community, including all public and private schools, the Naples Historical Society provides free field trips for social studies teachers and their history students. The Society believe it is very important for every student in the area to know the history of Naples and their heritage. After this field trip, students become Pupils at Palm Cottage and receive a free, beautifully designed, full-color, 16-page personal Activity Book to test their knowledge of Naples history. Additionally, Art in the Garden is a Generously funded by the philanthropic community, this delightful and beautifully managed garden area features many distinct settings along the Patron's Walk that chronicle Naples landscape history during the last 100 years. You will step back in time strolling through The Garden of the Senses, The Palm Collector's Garden, The Edible Garden, The Pioneer Garden and The Shade Garden. See, Touch and Learn about Naples history through a variety of palms, edible plants, fragrant plants, exotic plants, and grasses. The gardens are a perfect place to get out of the sun under the shade of a native tree or in a chair under the Chickee Pavilion. Public tours are every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., reservations are required.
The Naples Historical Society oversees the day-to-day aspects of Palm Cottage and also offers private tours, rentals of Palm Cottage and The Norris Gardens, and many exclusive fundraisers are held here. Christmas at Palm Cottage is not to be missed.
I have lived in Naples for many years and have watched it change and grow into a city with visionary proportions. There are many different neighborhoods to live in and my knowledge of the Olde Naples market in particular, will be of benefit should you be considering a move to Naples. Please contact me, Bill Van Arsdale, at 239.641.6164 or bill@gcipnaples.com.
