Lillian Moller Gilbreth

Overview

Lillian Moller Gilbreth was a remarkable woman who seamlessly blended psychology and engineering to revolutionize the fields of industrial efficiency and management. Her work extended far beyond the factory floor, deeply impacting home economics and disability studies. This timeline highlights key moments in her life, from her unconventional education to her enduring legacy as a pioneering figure.

Main Milestones

Birth in Oakland, California

May 24, 1878

Lillian Evelyn Moller was born into a prosperous family in Oakland, California. Her parents, William and Mollie Moller, provided her with a comfortable upbringing and, unusually for the time, encouraged her education, fostering her intellectual curiosity from a young age.

Graduation from University of California, Berkeley (BA)

1900

Lillian Moller graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature. She was the first woman to give a commencement address at UC Berkeley, demonstrating her exceptional academic abilities and leadership potential.

Master's Degree from University of California, Berkeley

1902

Continuing her education, Lillian earned a Master of Arts degree in Literature from UC Berkeley. This advanced study solidified her research skills and her understanding of human behavior, foundational elements that would later prove crucial in her work with industrial efficiency.

Marriage to Frank Bunker Gilbreth

October 19, 1904

Lillian Moller married Frank Bunker Gilbreth, an efficiency expert. This marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership, both personally and professionally. Together, they formed a dynamic team, combining Frank's practical knowledge of construction and efficiency with Lillian's psychological insights.

Raising Twelve Children

1911-1924

While pursuing her professional career, Lillian gave birth to twelve children (one died in childhood). This experience provided her with unique perspectives on time management, resource allocation, and the challenges of balancing work and family life, which she later incorporated into her work on home economics and efficient living.

Doctorate in Psychology from Brown University

1915

Lillian Gilbreth earned a PhD in Psychology from Brown University. Her dissertation, "The Psychology of Management," explored the human factors involved in industrial efficiency and emphasized the importance of worker well-being. This groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the field of industrial psychology.

Frank Gilbreth's Sudden Death

1924

The unexpected death of Frank Gilbreth left Lillian a widow with eleven children to support. Despite this immense personal loss, she persevered and took over their consulting business, Gilbreth, Inc., demonstrating her resilience and business acumen.

Professor and Consultant

1930s - 1960s

Lillian Gilbreth held professorships at Purdue University and other institutions, teaching industrial engineering and management principles. She also continued her consulting work, advising companies on improving efficiency, worker satisfaction, and accessibility. Her work extended into the home, focusing on kitchen design and ergonomics to assist homemakers, especially those with disabilities.

"Cheaper by the Dozen" Publication

1948

Lillian's children, Frank Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, published "Cheaper by the Dozen," a humorous autobiographical novel about their large family and their parents' unconventional approach to raising them using efficiency principles. The book became a bestseller and popularized the Gilbreth family, albeit often with comedic exaggeration, introducing their work to a wider audience.

First Woman Elected to the National Academy of Engineering

1966

Lillian Gilbreth was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, a prestigious honor recognizing her significant contributions to the field of engineering. This marked a significant milestone in her career and highlighted her pioneering role as a woman in a male-dominated profession.

Death in Phoenix, Arizona

January 2, 1972

Lillian Moller Gilbreth passed away in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 93. Her legacy as a pioneer in industrial psychology, management, and ergonomics continues to inspire generations of engineers, psychologists, and advocates for worker well-being and accessibility.

Other Themed Timelines

Early Life and Education Timeline

Impact on Women in Engineering Timeline

Later Life and Legacy Timeline

Marriage and Family Life Timeline

Professional Career and Contributions to Industrial Engineering Timeline

Publications and Writings Timeline

Purdue University Career Timeline

Recognition and Honors Timeline

Themed Timelines

Talks

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Overview

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