Marie Van Brittan Brown

Marie Van Brittan Brown (1922–1999) was an African American inventor and nurse who made a groundbreaking contribution to modern security systems. In 1966, alongside her husband Albert Brown, she co-invented the first home security system, a revolutionary innovation designed to address safety concerns in their Queens, New York neighborhood.

Concerned about rising crime rates and slow police response times, Brown devised a system that allowed residents to see and communicate with visitors at their door—without opening it. Her invention included peepholes, a camera, monitors, a two-way microphone, and a panic button to alert authorities. This patent, granted in 1969, laid the foundation for today’s home surveillance systems used worldwide.

Marie Van Brittan Brown’s ingenuity not only advanced security technology but also highlighted the crucial role of Black women in innovation. Her legacy continues to inspire inventors and advocates for safer, smarter communities.