For almost forty years or more, the neon sign of the historic Imperial Hotel has been dark. However, on Friday, November 4th, the restored neon sign will be relit, signaling the re-establishment of the historic Hotel. There will be a press conference and reception from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., which is by invitation only. The relighting ceremony will occur at 7:15 p.m. The sign will remain lit until January, when it will be removed once again and secured until the Hotel is re-opened. The community is encouraged to visit the 738 West Jackson Street site to see the Hotel and sign. 

The Hotel was built in 1949 and listed in Victor Hugo Green’s 1956 Green Book, formally called “The Negro Motorist’s Green Book.” The Hotel offered refuge to African American travelers and musicians traveling the chitlin circuit, a route musicians traveled to entertain African American audiences. The Hotel was built by the Lewis brothers, who were African American brick masons. Harvey & Dorothy Lewis- Thompson operated the establishment until 1969. Mr. Curtis T. Thomas, community humanitarian, leader, and civil rights activist, took over the establishment and made it his office until 2001. It remained empty and fell into disrepair. In 2018 the Jack Hadley Black History Museum purchased the Hotel and adjacent shotgun house with the assistance of area philanthropists, saving both structures from demolition due to neglect. The neon sign was removed and restored by Dothan Neon’ Sign of Alabama. 

Over the last year and a half, the museum worked with a nationally recognized consulting firm to develop the Board and build capacity, positioning it to engage in fundraising to restore the Hotel to its former glory. Soon the museum will announce plans for the hotel, shotgun house and the museum. The goal is to have the Hotel, shotgun house, and new home for the museum, which will be called the Jack Hadley Yards, established in the next two to five years. We aspire to celebrate the Hotel’s grand re-opening on its 75th anniversary in two years.

This Saturday, November 5th, the Fourth Annual Gala to Save the Imperial Hotel will be held at Receptions for You at 1200 West Jackson Street, starting at 6:00 p.m. The theme is in line with the relighting of the Imperial Hotel’s sign, “Reignite History.” Blues musician Jack Hadley of Denver, Colorado, will provide entertainment. Three individuals who contributed significantly to the museum will be honored for their dedication. For tickets, please call 229-226-5029. For more information about the Jack Hadley Black History Museum, please visit, www.jackhadleyblackhistorymuseum.com