In 1836, Henry and Caroline Clarke moved from New York to Chicago hoping to establish a successful business and begin a family. The Clarke’s built a house on what is now Chicago’s Southside and that Greek Revival structure remains standing today as the oldest home in the City.

Specialty: Architecture
Neighborhood: Bronzeville
Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, Tours at 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm

Admission: Adults - $10.00
Students and seniors - $9.00
Children - $5.00

Parking: Free street parking

ADA: Wheelchair accessible

Public Transportation: The CTA Buses #1 Indiana-Hyde Park, #3 King Drive and #4 Cottage Grove drop off within one block of the museum. Call the CTA at 312.836.3501 or visit www.chicagotransitauthority.com/

Originally built at Michigan Avenue and 16^th Street, the house was moved to 45^th and Wabash where it served as a community center for the St. Paul Church of God in Christ. In 1977, the city bought the building and moved it to its present site. If you’re a history buff, or you love architecture, you’ll be astounded by the Clarke House preservation. Outside a beautiful cupola adorns the roof and a stunning portico held up by four pillars announces the entranceway to the home. And wait till you see the inside!

The first floor has a two-room parlor and a dining room while the upper level is split into six bedrooms; look at the detailed woodwork throughout and imagine a fireplace warming the inside on a cold winter night. The Clarke House is truly an exceptional piece of Chicago history, reminding us of a time when house and home meant something spectacular.

The Perfect Place For: Getting a feel for what life was like in a bygone era