Old Town Triangle District
Explore the Historic Charm of Old Town Triangle District
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.
The Henry Gerber House in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood stands as a significant landmark in the history of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. It was home to Henry Gerber, who in 1924 founded the Society for Human Rights, the first chartered organization in the U.S. dedicated to advocating for homosexual rights. Today, the house serves as a reminder of the early struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ movement.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Henry Gerber House
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
1704 N Crilly Ct, Chicago, Old Town, Illinois, 60614, US
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Getting There
Walking
From the intersection of North Avenue and Halsted Street, walk north on Halsted Street. Turn right onto W Eugenie Street, then turn right onto N Crilly Ct. The Henry Gerber House will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport
From downtown Chicago, take the CTA Red Line to the North/Clybourn station. From there, take bus #72 or #73 towards the Old Town area. Get off at the intersection of North Ave & Halsted St, and walk about 5 minutes north to N Crilly Ct. The Henry Gerber House is located at 1704 N Crilly Ct. CTA bus and train fare is $2.25 and $2.50 respectively per ride. A 1-day CTA pass is $5.
Driving
From I-90/94, exit at North Avenue and head east. Turn right onto N Wells Street, then turn right onto W Eugenie Street. Turn right onto N Crilly Ct. The Henry Gerber House will be on your left. Street parking may be available, but can be limited and may incur a fee depending on the time of day. Parking garages are also available in the area. Check online for rates and availability.
Local tips
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Check the visiting hours in advance, as the house is a private residence and interior access is not always available.
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Explore the surrounding Old Town neighborhood, known for its historical charm, cafes, shops, and parks.
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Read about Henry Gerber's life and his contributions to LGBTQ+ rights before your visit to enhance your experience.
Discover more about Henry Gerber House
Located at 1704 N Crilly Ct in Chicago's Old Town, the Henry Gerber House is a brick row house built in 1885 in the Queen Anne style. From 1924 to 1925, this house was the residence of Henry Gerber, a German-born activist who established the Society for Human Rights (SHR) here. The SHR was the first officially chartered organization in the United States to advocate for the rights of homosexuals. Gerber also published the first known gay civil rights periodical, "Friendship and Freedom", from this location.Gerber's activism was inspired by the gay rights movement in Germany during his time in the U.S. Army of Occupation. Upon returning to Chicago, he risked personal safety to create a space for gay civil rights advocacy. The Society's mission statement was written here, marking a turning point in the history of homosexuality in the United States. The house served as a meeting place for the Society until a police raid in 1925 led to Gerber's arrest and the organization's disbandment.Despite its short existence, the Society for Human Rights set a precedent for future LGBTQ+ activism. The Henry Gerber House was recognized as a contributing property to the Old Town Triangle Chicago Landmark District in 1977 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. In 2001, it was designated a Chicago Landmark, and in June 2015, it became a National Historic Landmark. Today, the house is a private residence, but its exterior remains a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight for civil rights and inclusivity.
A brief summary to Henry Gerber House
Use Henry Gerber House as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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