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Lorraine Hansberry House: A Landmark of Literary and Civil Rights History

Visit the landmark home of Lorraine Hansberry, famed playwright and civil rights advocate, and reflect on its impact on American history and culture.

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The former home of playwright Lorraine Hansberry, located on Chicago's South Side, is a designated landmark recognized for its significance to both the Chicago Black Renaissance and the American Civil Rights Movement. It inspired her groundbreaking play, 'A Raisin in the Sun'.

A brief summary to Lorraine Hansberry House

  • 6140 S Rhodes Ave, Chicago, Woodlawn, Illinois, 60637, US

Local tips

  • While the house is not open for tours, take a moment to walk around the Woodlawn neighborhood and appreciate its rich African American history.
  • Consider seeing a performance of 'A Raisin in the Sun' at a local theater to further connect with Lorraine Hansberry's legacy.
  • Visit the Lorraine Hansberry mural near 51st and Calumet to see a public art tribute to the playwright.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Lorraine Hansberry House via public transportation, consider taking the CTA. Several bus routes serve the area, including the 3, 4, 35, and X4. Check the CTA website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. The nearest bus stops are typically within a short walking distance of the house. A single ride on a CTA bus costs $2.50.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Woodlawn neighborhood, walking to the Lorraine Hansberry House is a viable option. Use a map app to guide you to 6140 S. Rhodes Avenue. The house is located in a residential area, and the surrounding streets are generally safe for pedestrians during daylight hours.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Chicago. Request a ride to 6140 S. Rhodes Avenue. A short trip from a nearby location, such as the University of Chicago or the 35th Street 'L' station, will likely cost between $10 and $15, depending on traffic and demand.

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Discover more about Lorraine Hansberry House

The Lorraine Hansberry House, located at 6140 S. Rhodes Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, holds exceptional historic and cultural significance. Built in 1909, the house became the residence of the Hansberry family in 1937 when Carl Hansberry, Lorraine's father, purchased it. As an African-American family moving into a white neighborhood, they faced threats and discrimination due to racially restrictive housing covenants. Carl Hansberry fought these covenants in a legal battle that eventually reached the U.S. Supreme Court, marking a pivotal victory against housing segregation. Lorraine Hansberry, a pioneering playwright, drew inspiration from her experiences in this house to write 'A Raisin in the Sun'. The play, which debuted on Broadway in 1959, was the first drama by an African-American woman to be produced on Broadway. It garnered critical acclaim, winning the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award. The Lorraine Hansberry House stands as a symbol of resilience, social justice, and the power of art to address societal issues. Today, the house is a private residence and is not open to the public. However, it was designated a Chicago Landmark on February 10, 2010, ensuring its preservation and recognition for generations to come. While visitors cannot enter the home, they can view it from the street and reflect on its importance in American literary and civil rights history.

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