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Henry Gerber House: A Landmark of LGBTQ+ Rights

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

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The Henry Gerber House in Chicago's Old Town is a pivotal landmark in American LGBTQ+ history. It was home to Henry Gerber, who, in 1924, founded the Society for Human Rights, the first chartered gay rights organization in the U.S.. Though the interior is not open to the public, its preserved exterior stands as a reminder of early activism and 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

  • The Henry Gerber House is best viewed from the exterior, as it is a private residence and not open to the public.
  • Take time to explore the charming Old Town neighborhood, known for its historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
  • Look for the historical marker embedded in the sidewalk in front of the house, which provides information about its significance.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of North Avenue and Wells Street in Old Town, walk west on North Avenue for one block. Turn right onto N Crilly Court. The Henry Gerber House is located on the left side of the street at 1704 N Crilly Ct. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    From the North/Clybourn station on the CTA Red Line, take the #72 North Avenue bus eastbound. Exit the bus at the intersection of North Avenue and Crilly Court. Walk north on Crilly Court; the Henry Gerber House will be on your left at 1704 N Crilly Ct. A single ride on the CTA bus costs $2.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From downtown Chicago, a taxi or ride-share to the Henry Gerber House will take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay between $15 and $25 for the ride.

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Discover more about Henry Gerber House

Located in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood, the Henry Gerber House stands as a monument to the early gay rights movement in the United States. Built in 1885, this unassuming brick row house at 1704 N Crilly Ct was home to Henry Gerber, a German immigrant and pioneering activist. In 1924, Gerber founded the Society for Human Rights here, the first chartered organization in the U.S. dedicated to advocating for the rights of homosexuals. Inspired by the gay rights movement in Germany, Gerber sought to create a similar organization in the United States. The Society for Human Rights aimed to combat prejudice and discrimination against homosexuals through education and advocacy. Gerber also published 'Friendship and Freedom' from the house, one of the first gay civil rights publications in the country. The organization was short-lived; it was disbanded in 1925 after a police raid on the house and the arrest of Gerber and several other members. Despite its brief existence, the Society for Human Rights marked a turning point in the history of LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S.. The Henry Gerber House serves as a reminder of the courage and vision of early activists like Gerber, who paved the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ rights advocates. Today, the house is a designated National Historic Landmark and a Chicago Landmark, recognized for its significance in American history. While the house is a private residence and not open for tours, a historical marker is embedded in the sidewalk in front of the house.

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