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Henry Gerber House: A Landmark of LGBTQ+ History

Visit the Henry Gerber House in Chicago's Old Town, a National Historic Landmark and a cornerstone of the early LGBTQ+ rights movement.

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The Henry Gerber House in Chicago's Old Town is a significant landmark in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. It was home to Henry Gerber, who founded the Society for Human Rights, the first chartered gay rights organization in the U.S., in 1924. Although the interior is not open to the public, the exterior serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality.

A brief summary to Henry Gerber House

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

Local tips

  • Explore the charming Old Town neighborhood surrounding the house, known for its unique shops and restaurants.
  • Look for the historical marker embedded in the sidewalk in front of the house for key information.
  • Consider visiting during Chicago's Pride Month for related events and celebrations.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of North Avenue and Wells Street, walk north on Wells Street for one block to Eugenie Street. Turn right onto Eugenie Street and walk east for one block to Crilly Court. Turn left onto Crilly Court; the Henry Gerber House is on the left side of the street. This is a short walk through a pleasant residential area.

  • Public Transport

    Take the CTA Red Line to the Clark/Division station. From the station, walk west on Division Street to Wells Street. Turn north onto Wells Street and walk approximately four blocks to Eugenie Street. Turn right onto Eugenie Street, walk one block east to Crilly Court, and turn left. The Henry Gerber House will be on your left. A single ride on the CTA costs $2.50.

  • Ride Share

    Request a ride to 1704 N Crilly Ct, Chicago, IL 60614. Be aware that Crilly Court is a short residential street, so drivers may need specific instructions to locate the house. A ride-share from downtown Chicago will typically cost between $15 and $25, depending on demand and traffic.

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Discover more about Henry Gerber House

Located at 1704 N Crilly Court in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood, the Henry Gerber House stands as a symbol of the early LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States. This unassuming brick row house was home to Henry Gerber, a German-born activist who, in 1924, founded the Society for Human Rights (SHR). The SHR was the first chartered organization in the U.S. to advocate for homosexual rights. Gerber lived in the house from 1924 to 1925. During this time, he not only organized meetings of the Society but also published "Friendship and Freedom", one of the earliest documented gay publications in America. Inspired by the gay rights movement in Germany, Gerber sought to create a similar organization in the United States, aiming to gain support from professionals and advocate for the civil rights of homosexuals. The house itself, built in 1885 in the Queen Anne style, contributes to the historical charm of the Old Town neighborhood. While the interior is a private residence and not open for tours, a historical marker is embedded in the sidewalk in front of the house. The Henry Gerber House was designated a Chicago Landmark on June 6, 2001, and a National Historic Landmark in June 2015, solidifying its place in American history. Visiting the Henry Gerber House offers a chance to reflect on the history of LGBTQ+ rights and the ongoing pursuit of equality. The surrounding Old Town neighborhood, with its historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere, enhances the experience.

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