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Henry Gerber House: A Landmark of LGBTQ+ Rights

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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 is a crucial landmark in LGBTQ+ history. 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

Local tips

  • Check visiting hours in advance, as they may vary.
  • Explore the surrounding Old Town neighborhood, known for its historic charm, cafes, shops, and parks.
  • Read about Henry Gerber's life and contributions to LGBTQ+ rights before your visit to enhance your experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Chicago, take the CTA Red Line to the North/Clybourn station. From there, transfer to bus #72 or #73 heading 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 1710 N Crilly Ct. CTA bus or train fare is $2.25-$2.50 per ride.

  • 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.

  • Car

    From I-90/94, exit at North Avenue and head east. Turn right onto N Crilly Ct. The Henry Gerber House will be on your left at 1710 N Crilly Ct. Street parking may be available, but it could incur a fee depending on the time of day. Parking garages are also available in the area, with hourly rates typically ranging from $10-$20.

Discover more about Henry Gerber House

Located at 1710 N Crilly Court in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood, the Henry Gerber House stands as a significant symbol in the history of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. This unassuming brick row house, built in 1885 in the Queen Anne style, served as the residence of Henry Gerber from 1924 to 1925. During this time, Gerber founded the Society for Human Rights (SHR) here, the first chartered organization in the U.S. dedicated to advocating for the rights of homosexuals.Inspired by the gay rights movement he witnessed while serving in Germany, Gerber established the SHR and published its newsletter, *Friendship and Freedom*, the first documented gay civil rights publication in the country. The house served as a meeting place for early gay rights advocates who risked discrimination and persecution to publicly identify as homosexual. In 1925, the Chicago police raided the house, arresting Gerber and confiscating his property, effectively ending the Society's operations.Despite its short existence, the Society for Human Rights marked a turning point in the history of homosexuality in the United States. The Henry Gerber House is a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community. The house was designated a Chicago Landmark in 2001 and a National Historic Landmark in 2015. While the interior is not always open to the public, the exterior is worth visiting to appreciate its historical significance and the charm of the Old Town neighborhood.
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