Marie Van Brittan Brown: The Pioneer of Home Security Systems

Marie Van Brittan Brown is a name that resonates in the world of modern technology and safety. Known for her groundbreaking invention of the first home security system, she revolutionized personal security and laid the foundation for today's advanced CCTV systems. Born in Jamaica, Queens, New York, on October 22, 1922, Brown worked as a nurse, while her husband, Albert Brown, was an electronics technician. Together, they developed the concept that would forever change the way we protect our homes.

In 1966, Brown filed a patent for a home security system that consisted of multiple peepholes, a sliding camera, television monitors, two-way microphones, and an emergency alarm button. This system was a precursor to the closed-circuit television (CCTV) technology we rely on today. Marie’s invention was driven by the need for safety in her own home, as she worked long hours and lived in a neighborhood with high crime rates. The system allowed her to see who was at her door and communicate with them without opening it. In case of an emergency, the system also had a feature that could alert the police at the push of a button.

Marie and Albert's invention was granted a patent in 1969 under U.S. Patent number 3,482,037. Although the system was not mass-produced due to high costs, it gained significant recognition, including an award from the National Scientists Committee and an interview with The New York Times in 1969. Marie’s innovative work became a building block for later security technologies, and her patent was cited in multiple subsequent applications. Today, her contributions remain a fundamental part of security systems in residential homes, businesses, and public spaces, ensuring her legacy endures in the fight for personal safety.

Marie Van Brittan Brown's story is not only one of ingenuity but also of perseverance in the face of adversity. As an African American woman in the 1960s, she overcame significant barriers in education and recognition to become a pioneer in a field that impacts millions of people worldwide. Brown passed away in 1999 at the age of 76, but her legacy continues to influence home security and surveillance systems used today.