Marie Van Brittan Brown was an African American nurse and inventor. She was born in Jamaica Queens, New York, on October 22, 1922. She and her husband, Albert, had two children.
On February 2, 1999, Mrs. Van Brittan Brown passed away. She was seventy-six. This is the story of how she developed the concept for CCTV home security systems.Â
A Neighborhood in Need
In the bustling neighborhood of Jamaica Queens, New York, during the swinging 1960s, a remarkable black woman named Marie Van Brittan Brown had a big idea that would change the world.
Overcoming Fear with Innovation
Imagine being home late at night, feeling a little nervous about who might be lurking around outside. That’s exactly how Marie felt.
As a nurse with unpredictable hours, it wasn’t uncommon for her to arrive home after dark.
She often found herself overwhelmed with a sense of unease about potential threats. But instead of succumbing to fear, Marie decided to take action.
A Dynamic Duo with a Revolutionary Vision
Marie was no ordinary individual. She was smart, curious, and determined to improve her family’s personal safety. Working together with her husband Albert, who was highly skilled as an electronics technician, they set out on a journey to create something revolutionary.
The Birth of an Idea
Marie’s first brilliant idea was to install specialized peepholes in her front door. But these weren’t your ordinary peepholes. She placed them at different heights, so everyone could use them — tall folks, kids, and everyone in between.
Then, they installed a camera on the door that could move through each peephole. The camera sent pictures to a screen monitor inside the house. It was like magic!
The Invention That Changed Everything
With her invention, Mrs. Marie Van Brittan Brown could see who was at her door without even opening it. But she didn’t stop there. She incorporated microphones, so she could talk to people outside.
And, if there was trouble, she could call for help with the push of a button. It was like having a champion’s power at her fingertips!
Marie Van Brittan Brown’s Legacy of Innovation
In 1966, Marie and Albert were granted a patent for their groundbreaking invention. It was the first-ever closed-circuit television security system! Their invention paved the way for all the amazing features we have in home security systems today, like video monitoring and remote-controlled door locks.
Marie’s remarkable invention received a lot of praise, with even the New York Times writing an article about her innovative design.
The Power of One
Marie demonstrated that the pursuit of innovation knows no bounds. Her legacy reminds us that anyone, no matter who they are, can make a difference. With determination and creativity, anything is possible.
So next time you use a keycard to unlock your door, press a button to gain access, or see surveillance cameras in banks, hotels, and along streets, remember Marie Van Brittan Brown–the woman who dared to dream of a safer world for us all.
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