Welcome to the Miriam Benjamin Hub! This community hub — built on top of and serving as a companion to the Wikipedia article — lets you discuss, collect, and organize everything related to Miriam Benjamin.
Miriam Benjamin received U.S. patent no. 1,249,000 for her Sole for Footwear.
This invention was designed to help with temperature regulation in the foot.
Miriam Elizabeth Benjamin was born in Charleston, South Carolina, just before the start of the American Civil War. Her early life was undoubtedly shaped by the tumultuous events of the era and the challenges faced by African Americans in the post-Civil War South.
Education in Massachusetts
Early Education
Miriam's family moved North to Massachusetts to ensure their children receive better educational opportunities. Miriam was able to get an education that would eventually lead her to teaching and later on invent.
Teaching in Washington D.C.
1880s
Miriam Benjamin moved to Washington D.C. and began her career as a schoolteacher within the segregated school system. This experience provided her with insight into the needs and challenges within public service environments.
Patent Granted for Gong and Signal Chair
July 17, 1888
This marks a pivotal moment in Miriam Benjamin's life. She received U.S. Patent No. 386,288 for her "Gong and Signal Chair for Hotels." This innovative chair featured an integrated signaling system allowing occupants to discreetly summon a hotel waiter or attendant. This patent made her one of the first African-American women to receive a patent.
Use in the House of Representatives
Post-Patent
Benjamin's invention was notably adopted by the United States House of Representatives. The incorporation of her Gong and Signal Chair within such a prominent institution underscored the practical value and impact of her design.
Civil Service Career
Later Life
Later in life, Miriam Benjamin pursued a career in civil service, further contributing to public service and demonstrating her commitment to community.
Death
1947
Miriam Elizabeth Benjamin passed away in 1947. Her legacy lives on through her innovative invention and her contribution to breaking down barriers for women and African Americans in STEM fields. Her Gong and Signal Chair remains a testament to her ingenuity and resourcefulness.
Brief
Known For
Inventing the Gong and Signal Chair for use in the United States House of Representatives.
Key Dates and Places
Born Date: September 16, 1861.
Born Place: Charleston, South Carolina.
Death Date: 1947.
Death Place: Boston, Massachusetts.
Career
Past occupations: Schoolteacher, Inventor, Government worker in the Postal Service (Washington, D.C.) and the Treasury Department (Washington, D.C.).
Previous Place of Work: Schools (as a teacher), United States Postal Service, United States Treasury Department.
Wikipedia Article
Welcome to the Miriam Benjamin Hub! This community hub — built on top of and serving as a companion to the Wikipedia article — lets you discuss, collect, and organize everything related to Miriam Benjamin.
Miriam Benjamin received U.S. patent no. 1,249,000 for her Sole for Footwear.
This invention was designed to help with temperature regulation in the foot.
Miriam Elizabeth Benjamin was born in Charleston, South Carolina, just before the start of the American Civil War. Her early life was undoubtedly shaped by the tumultuous events of the era and the challenges faced by African Americans in the post-Civil War South.
Education in Massachusetts
Early Education
Miriam's family moved North to Massachusetts to ensure their children receive better educational opportunities. Miriam was able to get an education that would eventually lead her to teaching and later on invent.
Teaching in Washington D.C.
1880s
Miriam Benjamin moved to Washington D.C. and began her career as a schoolteacher within the segregated school system. This experience provided her with insight into the needs and challenges within public service environments.
Patent Granted for Gong and Signal Chair
July 17, 1888
This marks a pivotal moment in Miriam Benjamin's life. She received U.S. Patent No. 386,288 for her "Gong and Signal Chair for Hotels." This innovative chair featured an integrated signaling system allowing occupants to discreetly summon a hotel waiter or attendant. This patent made her one of the first African-American women to receive a patent.
Use in the House of Representatives
Post-Patent
Benjamin's invention was notably adopted by the United States House of Representatives. The incorporation of her Gong and Signal Chair within such a prominent institution underscored the practical value and impact of her design.
Civil Service Career
Later Life
Later in life, Miriam Benjamin pursued a career in civil service, further contributing to public service and demonstrating her commitment to community.
Death
1947
Miriam Elizabeth Benjamin passed away in 1947. Her legacy lives on through her innovative invention and her contribution to breaking down barriers for women and African Americans in STEM fields. Her Gong and Signal Chair remains a testament to her ingenuity and resourcefulness.
Brief
Known For
Inventing the Gong and Signal Chair for use in the United States House of Representatives.
Key Dates and Places
Born Date: September 16, 1861.
Born Place: Charleston, South Carolina.
Death Date: 1947.
Death Place: Boston, Massachusetts.
Career
Past occupations: Schoolteacher, Inventor, Government worker in the Postal Service (Washington, D.C.) and the Treasury Department (Washington, D.C.).
Previous Place of Work: Schools (as a teacher), United States Postal Service, United States Treasury Department.
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