Henry Gerber House, River Bend Travel Guide

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

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Henry Gerber House

The Henry Gerber House in Chicago's Old Town is a National Historic Landmark, recognized as the birthplace of the American gay 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 the 1920s.

A brief summary to Henry Gerber House

1704 N Crilly Ct, Chicago, Old Town, Illinois, 60614, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Henry Gerber House.

Check the visiting hours in advance, as they may vary and the house is often closed.
Combine your visit with a walk in the surrounding Old Town neighborhood to appreciate its historical charm.
Bring a camera; the exterior of the house makes for great photos against the backdrop of Old Town.
Read up on Henry Gerber's life and contributions to LGBTQ+ rights before your visit to enhance your experience.

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Getting There

Public Transport

To reach the Henry Gerber House via public transportation, take the CTA Brown Line train to the Sedgwick station. From there, walk south on N Sedgwick St towards West North Ave, then turn left onto North Ave. Continue walking until you reach N Crilly Ct, then turn right. The Henry Gerber House will be located at 1704 N Crilly Ct. A single ride on the CTA train costs $2.50.
Walking

From the intersection of North Avenue and Wells Street in Old Town, walk west on North Avenue. Turn right onto N Crilly Ct. Walk north for a short distance; the Henry Gerber House will be on your left at 1704 N Crilly Ct. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.

Discover more about Henry Gerber House

Located at 1704 N Crilly Ct in Chicago's charming Old Town neighborhood, the Henry Gerber House stands as a powerful symbol of early LGBTQ+ activism in the United States. This unassuming brick row house, built in 1885 in the Queen Anne style, served as the home and headquarters for 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. dedicated to advocating for the rights of homosexuals.During his time at the house from 1924 to 1925, Gerber and his fellow members held meetings and produced 'Friendship and Freedom', one of the earliest known gay rights publications in America. The organization aimed to promote and protect the interests of individuals who faced abuse and hindrances due to mental and physical abnormalities, cleverly avoiding explicit mentions of homosexuality to gain nonprofit status. Gerber's activism was inspired by the more accepting attitudes toward homosexuality he witnessed while serving in the army in Germany.Despite its short existence, the Society for Human Rights marked a crucial step forward in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. In 1925, the house was raided by law enforcement, leading to the arrest of Gerber and other members and effectively ending the Society's work. However, Gerber's pioneering efforts paved the way for future generations of activists. Today, the Henry Gerber House is a designated Chicago Landmark and a National Historic Landmark, serving as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the early gay rights movement. While the interior is not always open to the public, visitors can still appreciate the historical significance of the site from the outside and explore the vibrant Old Town neighborhood.