Marie Van Brittan Brown facts for kids

Marie Van Brittan Brown (born October 30, 1922 – died February 2, 1999) was an American nurse and inventor. In 1966, she created a video home security system with her husband, Albert Brown. He was an electronics technician. They applied for a patent for their new system that same year. The patent was granted in 1969. Her invention has had a huge impact on how we protect our homes and businesses today. Brown was born and died in Jamaica, Queens, New York. She was 76 years old when she passed away.

Early Life of Marie Van Brittan Brown

Marie Van Brittan Brown's father was from Massachusetts. Her mother was from Pennsylvania. Both were African-American. We do not know much about Marie's early life. Marie married Albert Brown, who was an electrician.

Marie and her husband lived in Jamaica, Queens, New York. Marie worked as a nurse, and Albert was an electrician. This meant they often had unusual work hours. Sometimes, Marie was home alone at night. Marie and Albert had two children: Albert Brown Jr. and Norma Brown. Norma followed her mother's path. She became a nurse and an inventor too. Norma also had many inventions, showing her own creativity.

Marie Van Brittan Brown died on February 2, 1999. She was seventy-six years old.

Inventing the Home Security System

Marie Brown was a nurse, and her husband Albert was an electrician. Because of their jobs, they often worked at different times. This meant Marie was sometimes alone at home late at night. The crime rate in her neighborhood was quite high. Also, the police often took a long time to arrive when called. These reasons inspired Marie to invent the first home security system. She was forty years old at the time.

Marie and her husband designed their security system with several key parts. It included four peepholes, a special sliding camera, TV monitors, and microphones. The camera could move from one peephole to another. These cameras were connected to TV monitors inside her home. This allowed Marie to see exactly who was at her door. She did not have to open the door or even stand near it.

The microphones were also very important. With them, she could talk to the person outside. Again, she did not have to open the door or be face-to-face with them. Marie lived in an area with high crime. This invention made her feel much safer inside her home. She no longer had to risk opening the door to see who was there. Instead, she could check from the safety of her house.

On August 1, 1966, Marie and her husband applied for a patent for their invention. It was the first patent of its kind. Her husband's name was listed on the patent application too. The government officially granted the patent on December 2, 1969. Just four days later, New York Times published an article about her amazing invention.

Lasting Impact of Her Invention

Marie Van Brittan Brown's home security system has had a huge impact on security systems everywhere. Her idea was truly groundbreaking. It was her first invention that allowed others to build upon it. This led to the security systems we use today. As Sade Baderinwa said, "if you have a 'home security system' protecting your home, you have [Marie Van Brittan Brown] to thank." This means that all modern security companies, like ADT and Ring, owe their start to her original idea.

Brown's invention continues to help people around the world feel safer. She was recognized in the New York Times for her work. She also received an award from the National Scientists Committee. Sadly, Marie Van Brittan Brown passed away before seeing all the new improvements added to her invention. But her impact will never be forgotten. Any security system, whether in homes, businesses, or banks, can be traced back to her invention. As more home security systems became available, Brown's original idea became even more important. Her invention was mentioned in at least 32 future patent applications.

See also

List of African-American inventors and scientists