Omaha's Broadview Hotel Recognized as Historical Site

The century-old building was once a safe haven for Black travelers in the Jim Crow era.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The Broadview Hotel, a 100-year-old building in North Omaha, has been recognized as a historical site. The hotel was once listed in "The Negro Motorist Green Book" and served as a safe haven for Black people traveling through the states during the Jim Crow era. The hotel is now home to four African American families and continues to be a place where the community can live and thrive.

Why it matters

The recognition of the Broadview Hotel as a historical site sheds light on an important part of African American history in Omaha. The hotel's inclusion in the "Green Book" highlights the challenges and discrimination Black travelers faced during the segregation era, and its continued role as a community hub demonstrates the resilience and determination of the local Black population.

The details

The Broadview Hotel was built in 1909 and was converted into a Black boarding house around the 1920s. In 1939, it was purchased by Charles and Rosalie Trimble, who immediately listed it in "The Negro Motorist Green Book", a travel guide that helped Black Americans find safe accommodations during the Jim Crow era. The hotel remained listed in the Green Book until 1967. Today, the Broadview Hotel is home to four African American families and continues to serve as a place where the community can live and thrive.

  • The Broadview Hotel was built in 1909.
  • The hotel was converted into a Black boarding house around the 1920s.
  • In 1939, the hotel was purchased by Charles and Rosalie Trimble, who listed it in "The Negro Motorist Green Book".
  • The Broadview Hotel remained listed in the Green Book until 1967.

The players

Broadview Hotel

A century-old building in North Omaha that was once a safe haven for Black people traveling through the states during the Jim Crow era.

Charles and Rosalie Trimble

The owners of the Broadview Hotel who listed it in "The Negro Motorist Green Book" in 1939.

Shelly McCafferty

A board member with Preserve Omaha, an organization that worked to have the Broadview Hotel recognized as a historical site.

Wesley Jacobs

The current owner of the Broadview Hotel, which is now home to four African American families.

Dacus

A resident of the Broadview Hotel who appreciates the building's historical significance and its continued role as a community hub.

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What they’re saying

“We're really proud to be able to recognize that building, both for preserving Omaha but also for the African American community.”

— Shelly McCafferty, Board member, Preserve Omaha (ketv.com)

“Racism stepped in, prejudice, stepped in. They didn't believe that we were supposed to stay in hotels, so we had to come up with an alternative.”

— Wesley Jacobs, Owner, Broadview Hotel (ketv.com)

“I never thought I'd be living in a castle at 77 years old, you know, through a century of change, the Broadview Hotel has stood the test of time and is a testament to Black history in North Omaha.”

— Dacus, Resident, Broadview Hotel (ketv.com)

What’s next

The Broadview Hotel's recognition as a historical site is an important step in preserving and celebrating the building's significant role in African American history. The next steps may involve efforts to restore and maintain the property, as well as to further educate the public about its historical significance.

The takeaway

The Broadview Hotel's journey from a safe haven for Black travelers during the Jim Crow era to a thriving community hub today is a testament to the resilience and determination of the African American community in Omaha. This recognition ensures that this important piece of history will be preserved and honored for generations to come.