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There’s a picture on the wall of one of the first beach homes in Naples.

It’s a shack, barely liveable by today’s standards. But in 1898, when the black and white photograph was taken, the house was a piece of prime real estate.

It’s pictures, like the one of John Gomez’s home on the beach, that inspired two Naples residents to preserve the history of their own backyard.

Earlier this month, Naples Mayor Bill Barnett declared May Naples History Month.

The declaration, combined with the work of Lois Bolin and Lavern Norris Gaynor, spearheaded a monthlong movement meant to teach Neapolitans, and Collier County residents, about the unique background of their community.

“There’s enough old-timers here to ... continue to get this story told,” Bolin said during a lecture Thursday. “We’re going to kick (history) up a notch. Bam! Just like Emeril.”

The two women formed the Naples Cultural Landscape Fund earlier this year to increase the awareness of preserving Naples history. Bolin said she began thinking about the idea of a history month in March, and after talking with city leaders, decided to organize a month’s worth of events in May.

“I think it’s very important for us to know about our community,” Barnett said. “What’s special about us is that there is a colorful history.”

May’s an important month in Naples, Bolin said. It’s when the town finally became a city.

The plan, Bolin said, was to have a few old-timers talk about their experiences growing up and living in Naples. But once word got out about the organization’s efforts, support for the program started to pour in.

“People have been coming out of the woodwork,” she said.

Many have offered photographs or to tell their story, while some people have donated gallery or office space where the group can hold its events.

Everglades City resident Mayra Repko is one of those people who offered up her support to Bolin’s organization. She’s not from Naples, but on Thursday she spoke to a gathering of 30 people about the history of the Everglades.

Repko said she was drawn to Bolin and Gaynor’s efforts because of her love of history.

“I think we lose sight sometimes of our heritage,” she said.

That’s something Bolin said she and her partner are trying to prevent. They’re even planning to work with the Tourist Development Council next year to expand the history month concept.

“I’m a visionary. I believe in this,” Bolin said.

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IF YOU GO

• What: Naples and Collier County’s backyard history.

• When: The Naples Cultural Landscape Fund will be hosting events throughout the month to teach residents about the community’s history.

• Schedule: A full schedule of events is on the organization’s Web site, www.naplesbackyardhistory.org