Free Tours of Clarke House, Chicago's oldest home

Free tours of Clarke House are temporarily suspended and the house is closed until further notice.

When: Tours: Wednesdays & Saturdays at 1pm. FREE Admission. LIMITED to eight guests – first come, first served.
Where: Clarke House Museum, 1827 S. Indiana Ave., 312-326-1480

The Clarke House Museum is Chicago’s oldest home. Tours of this 1836 Greek Revival-style house reveal what life was like for a middle class family in Chicago, when the city was in its formative years before the Civil War. Hour-long guided tours of Clarke House Museum are now free. Tours are limited to eight people, available on a first-come, first-served basis. For groups of five or more, please contact clarkehousemuseum@cityofchicago.org.

About Clarke House Museum

Built in 1836 for Henry B. Clarke, the Clarke House Museum is Chicago’s oldest house. The house shows what life was like for a family in Chicago during the city’s formative years before the Civil War. Its history began at a time when Chicago received its city charter and much of the area was still undeveloped prairie.

Over the years, the house survived fires, belonged to a church, and was moved twice – during the second move, the house was stuck in the air for two weeks. The house is now located in the Chicago Women’s Park in the Prairie Avenue Historic District, and operated as a museum by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Full history

Partners: The National Society of Colonial Dames in The State of Illinois (NSCDA‑IL)

The NSCDA‑IL has been involved in the Clarke House for since 1977. The organization has been a generous supporter over the years, funding programs, as well as the collection of period furnishing in the house. Headquartered in Washington D.C., The NSCDA is dedicated to furthering an appreciation of our national heritage through historic preservation, patriotic service, and educational projects. The NSCDA is involved in nearly 100 historic homes across the country.