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Henry Gerber House: A Landmark of LGBTQ+ Rights

Visit the landmark home of Henry Gerber, founder of the first chartered gay rights organization in the U.S., and reflect on LGBTQ+ history in Chicago's Old Town.

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The Henry Gerber House in Chicago's Old Town is a National Historic Landmark, recognized as the former home of Henry Gerber, who founded the Society for Human Rights in the 1920s. This organization was the first chartered gay rights organization in the United States. Though the house is a private residence and not generally open to the public, its exterior stands as a reminder of the early struggle for LGBTQ+ equality.

A brief summary to Henry Gerber House

  • 1704 N Crilly Ct, Chicago, Old Town, Illinois, 60614, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Check out the historical marker embedded in the sidewalk in front of the house for more information.
  • Explore the charming Old Town neighborhood surrounding the house, known for its historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
  • Read about Henry Gerber and the Society for Human Rights before your visit to fully appreciate the significance of this location.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Henry Gerber House is located in the Old Town neighborhood. From the intersection of North Avenue and Wells Street, walk north on Wells Street for one block, then turn right onto Eugenie Street. Walk one block east on Eugenie Street, then turn right onto Crilly Court. The house is located mid-block at 1710 N Crilly Ct. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    The closest 'L' station to the Henry Gerber House is the North/Clybourn station on the Red Line. From there, you can take the #72 or #73 bus to the intersection of North Ave & Halsted St. Walk about 5 minutes north to N Crilly Ct. The Henry Gerber House is located at 1704 N Crilly Ct. A single ride on the 'L' or bus is $2.50 and $2.25, respectively. Transfers are free for up to two additional rides within two hours.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From downtown Chicago, a taxi or ride-share to the Henry Gerber House will cost approximately $10-$15, depending on traffic and surge pricing. The ride is approximately 3 miles and should take about 10-15 minutes. Ask your driver to take you to 1704 N Crilly Ct, Chicago, IL 60614.

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Discover more about Henry Gerber House

Located at 1710 North Crilly Court in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood, the Henry Gerber House holds immense significance in LGBTQ+ history. It was in this unassuming brick row house, built in 1885, that Henry Gerber established the Society for Human Rights (SHR) in 1924. The SHR was the first chartered organization in the U.S. to advocate for the rights of homosexuals. Inspired by the gay rights movement in Germany during his time in the U.S. Army of Occupation, Gerber sought to create a similar organization in the United States. From this house, Gerber and the SHR published the newsletter "Friendship and Freedom," one of the earliest known gay civil rights publications in the country. The organization's activities were cut short in 1925 when police raided the house and arrested Gerber. Despite its short existence, the Society for Human Rights marked a turning point in the history of homosexuality in the United States. The Henry Gerber House serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by early LGBTQ+ activists and the ongoing fight for equality. While the house remains a private residence and is not typically open for tours, it was designated a Chicago Landmark in 2001 and a National Historic Landmark in 2015. Visitors can view the exterior of the house and reflect on its importance in LGBTQ+ history. The surrounding Old Town neighborhood, with its charming streets and historic architecture, adds to the experience.

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