Broadview Hotel, once in ‘The Negro Motorist Green Book,’ recognized as a historical site

The Broadview Hotel is often referred to as “the castle.” Late last year, it was officially recognized as a historical site, celebrating its century-long significance in African American history.”What’s so unique about is the fact that, once upon a time, this was a place where Black people could come spend a couple of days and move on,” Wesley Dacus said. Built in 1909, the Broadview Hotel was converted into a Black boarding house around the 1920s. In 1939, Charles and Rosalie Trimble purchased the property and listed it in “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” where it remained from 1939 to 1967.”We’re really proud to be able to recognize that building both for preserving Omaha but also for the African American community,” Shelley McCafferty, a board member with Preserve Omaha, said.Dacus bought the property in 1995.”Racism stepped in, prejudice stepped in. They didn’t believe that we would stay in hotels. So, we had to come up with alternative,” he said.Today, the Broadview Hotel continues to serve its original purpose. “It’s now home to four different African American families. And so, it continues in that light as being a place for African Americans live and thrive,” McCafferty said.Dacus said the site is an important piece of his personal history.”I never thought I’d be living in the castle at 77 years old,” Dacus said. The Broadview Hotel stands as a testament to Black history in North Omaha, having endured through a century of change. “As Black folks will, we’ll find a way to make it happen. You know, even though you might not like the way we did it, but we can make it happen,” Dacus said.Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google Search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |