PRESS ROOM: The Conservation Fund Protects Historic Ben Moore Hotel

November 21, 2025

The Conservation Fund has announced the protection of the historic Ben Moore Hotel in Montgomery, Alabama, a significant landmark in African American history and the civil rights movement. Originally built by Matthew F. Moore, the four-story hotel featured modern amenities including guest rooms, dining facilities, and entertainment spaces, serving as both a Green Book refuge for Black travelers and a gathering place for civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Who is affected

The Centennial Hill neighborhood in Montgomery, Alabama
The African American community and descendants of civil rights movement participants
The Conservation Fund and the Landmarks Foundation (partner organizations)
The City of Montgomery and central Alabama region
Future visitors and community members who will benefit from the preserved site

What action is being taken

The Conservation Fund is protecting/acquiring the Ben Moore Hotel property
The Conservation Fund is partnering with the Landmarks Foundation to steward the site long-term
The organizations are working to preserve this at-risk property

Why it matters

The Ben Moore Hotel represents a crucial piece of civil rights history, having served as a "headquarters for power" where ministers, activists, and community leaders organized and built networks essential to the movement. Beyond its historical significance as a meeting place for figures like Dr. King and a Green Book refuge, the protection of this site creates opportunities for neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and ensures that the stories of courage and creativity it represents continue to inspire future generations in Montgomery and beyond.

What's next

The site will be redeveloped/restored as an economic catalyst for the neighborhood and Montgomery as a whole
The Landmarks Foundation will provide long-term stewardship of the property

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint