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Henry Gerber House: A Landmark of LGBTQ+ Rights

Visit the Henry Gerber House, a Chicago landmark and the birthplace of the American LGBTQ+ rights movement, in the historic Old Town neighborhood.

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The Henry Gerber House in Chicago's Old Town is a crucial 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 nation's first chartered gay rights organization.

A brief summary to Henry Gerber House

  • 1704 N Crilly Ct, Chicago, Old Town, Illinois, 60614, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Explore the charming Old Town neighborhood, known for its historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
  • Take a walk through nearby Lincoln Park, one of Chicago's largest parks, offering green spaces and lakefront views.
  • Visit the Chicago History Museum, located a short distance from the Gerber House, to learn more about the city's rich past.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Henry Gerber House is located in the Old Town neighborhood. From the intersection of North Avenue and Wells Street, walk north on Wells Street for one block, then turn right onto West St. Paul Avenue. Walk one block east, then turn right onto North Crilly Court. The Henry Gerber House will be on your left. This is a short walk of approximately 5 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    The closest 'L' station to the Henry Gerber House is the Red Line at Clark/Division. From there, take the 72 North Avenue bus eastbound to Wells Street. Walk north on Wells Street for one block, then turn right onto West St. Paul Avenue. Walk one block east, then turn right onto North Crilly Court. The Henry Gerber House will be on your left. The Henry Gerber House can also be accessed from the Brown or Purple Line by alighting at the Sedgwick station, walking east to Wells Street, then walking south to North Avenue. Take the 72 North Avenue bus eastbound to Wells Street. Walk north on Wells Street for one block, then turn right onto West St. Paul Avenue. Walk one block east, then turn right onto North Crilly Court. The Henry Gerber House will be on your left. A single ride on CTA bus or train is $2.25 and $2.50 respectively. Transfers are free for up to two additional rides within two hours. A 1-day CTA pass is $5.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Chicago. From downtown Chicago, a taxi or ride-share to the Henry Gerber House will typically cost between $10 and $20, depending on traffic and demand. The ride will take approximately 10-15 minutes. Be sure to specify the address as 1704 N Crilly Ct, Chicago, IL 60614.

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Discover more about Henry Gerber House

Located in the heart of Chicago's Old Town neighborhood, the Henry Gerber House stands as a testament to the early struggle for LGBTQ+ equality in America. This unassuming brick row house, built in 1885, 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 not only established the SHR but also wrote its mission statement and published 'Friendship and Freedom,' one of the earliest known gay rights publications in the United States. Inspired by the gay rights movement in Germany during his service there with the U.S. Army, Gerber sought to create a similar space for advocacy and community in Chicago. Despite its short existence, the Society for Human Rights played a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for future LGBTQ+ activism. The Henry Gerber House, designated a National Historic Landmark in 2015, serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by early activists and the ongoing fight for equality. Today, the house remains a private residence, but its legacy endures as a symbol of courage and perseverance in the pursuit of LGBTQ+ rights.

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