Henry Gerber House: A Landmark of LGBTQ+ History

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.