Marie Van Brittan Brown

Overview

Marie Van Brittan Brown, born on October 30, 1922, was an African American nurse whose life and work culminated in the invention of a groundbreaking home security system. She and her husband, Albert L. Brown, co-invented the system, driven by concerns for personal safety in their Queens, New York neighborhood. This timeline chronicles key moments in her life, highlighting her journey from birth to her lasting legacy as an innovator.

Main Milestones

Birth of Marie Van Brittan

October 30, 1922

Marie Van Brittan was born on this date. While specific details about her early childhood are limited, her upbringing undoubtedly shaped the resourceful and innovative woman she would become. Growing up in an era marked by racial segregation and inequality likely fostered resilience and a determination to improve her circumstances and the safety of her community.

Nursing Career

1950s-1960s

Marie Van Brittan dedicated her professional life to nursing. Working long and often irregular hours as a nurse likely exposed her to the vulnerabilities of individuals and families, potentially contributing to her heightened awareness of personal safety and security concerns within her own community. It demanded problem solving skills, and an awareness of her community.

Growing Concerns About Home Security

Mid-1960s

Living in Queens, New York, Marie and her husband, Albert, an electronics technician, became increasingly concerned about rising crime rates in their neighborhood and the slow response times of law enforcement. This period of heightened anxiety served as the catalyst for their invention. Their feeling unsafe at their house was the impetus of the invention.

Patent Application Filed

August 1, 1966

Marie and Albert Brown officially filed a patent application for their 'Home Security System Utilizing Television Surveillance.' This marked a pivotal moment, formalizing their innovative concept and setting the stage for its recognition and potential commercialization. The application detailed the system's components and functionality.

U.S. Patent 3,482,037 Granted

December 2, 1969

The U.S. Patent Office officially granted Marie Van Brittan Brown and Albert L. Brown Patent Number 3,482,037 for their home security system. This recognition validated the originality and utility of their invention, establishing them as pioneers in the field of home security technology. The device became public domain at this time.

Influence on Modern Security Systems

1970s-1990s

While Marie and Albert Brown's specific system wasn't widely marketed, their invention laid the groundwork for modern home security systems. Their patent was cited in numerous subsequent patent applications, demonstrating its influence on the development of advanced surveillance and alarm technologies. The core principles they pioneered continue to be used in current systems.

Death of Marie Van Brittan Brown

February 2, 1999

Marie Van Brittan Brown passed away on February 2, 1999. Although she may not have achieved widespread fame during her lifetime, her contributions to home security technology have had a lasting impact, ensuring her legacy as an inventor who addressed a critical societal need. She left behind a profound example of an everyday person making a big impact.

Other Themed Timelines

Early Life and Family Timeline

Home Security System Details Timeline

Impact and Legacy Timeline

Invention and Patent Timeline

Nursing Career Timeline

Personal Life and Relationships

Themed Timelines

Talks

Media Collections

Overview

Other Themed Timelines