The Mother of Security!

All Florida Alarms
Have you ever looked at a product and thought, “How did they come up with that?” or, “If only I thought of it first!” Well, every great invention starts with an idea, and sometimes, that idea comes from the most unlikely places. This is the story of how an African American woman revolutionized home security with a groundbreaking invention that laid the foundation for the systems we rely on today.

Marie Van Brittan Brown is the brilliant mind behind the modern home security system. Born and raised in Jamaica, Queens, New York, Marie worked long shifts as a nurse, often alone at night while her husband, Albert, an electronics technician, worked irregular hours. Living in a high-crime neighborhood, she grew increasingly concerned about her safety. Determined to find a way to protect herself, Marie set out to design a system that would allow her to see who was outside her door.

In 1966, with the help of Albert’s technical expertise, Marie invented a revolutionary home security system. Her invention included a series of four peepholes, a sliding camera, television monitors, and two-way microphones—components that together created what we now know as CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television). The peepholes were positioned at different heights to capture images of people of various sizes, while the sliding camera allowed for movement and a better view. The microphones enabled communication between the inside and outside of the home, allowing Marie to speak to anyone at her door. A remote control to unlock the door from a safe distance, as well as an emergency button that could alert the police or security, completed her system.

Marie filed for a patent in 1966, which was granted in 1969. Despite the innovative nature of the design, she and Albert struggled to find a partner to help bring the invention to the broader public. Nonetheless, there’s no denying that their invention laid the groundwork for the sophisticated video surveillance systems we use today.

In recognition of her groundbreaking work, Marie and Albert’s invention was featured in The New York Times in 1969, and she received an award from the National Scientists Committee. More than 50 years later, Marie Van Brittan Brown’s visionary creation continues to impact modern security technology, and her legacy is one of ingenuity, resilience, and a commitment to personal safety.