Marie Van Brittan Brown, an African American nurse and inventor, made history by pioneering the first home security system in the 1960s. Living in a high-crime neighborhood in Queens, New York, she grew frustrated with the slow police response times and sought a way to protect her family. With the help of her husband, Albert Brown, an electronics technician, she designed a system featuring peepholes, a sliding camera, monitors, and a two-way microphone—laying the groundwork for modern security systems.

Her invention quickly gained attention, earning her a patent in 1969 and recognition as a trailblazer in home security technology. Though she never commercialized the system herself, her innovative design influenced the development of surveillance and alarm systems used today. Brown’s ingenuity not only addressed a personal need but also reshaped an entire industry, proving that groundbreaking ideas can come from everyday challenges.

Marie Van Brittan Brown’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Marie Van Brittan Brown’s estimated net worth is $5 million. This figure reflects her groundbreaking contributions to home security technology. While exact financial details are private, her invention’s lasting impact and licensing deals contribute to this valuation. Adjustments for inflation and posthumous recognition also play a role in this estimate.

Marie Van Brittan Brown’s Career

Marie Van Brittan Brown was a nurse and inventor who co-created the first home security system in 1966. Her patent laid the foundation for modern surveillance technology. Though not a full-time inventor, her innovation earned widespread acclaim. Brown’s career exemplifies how side projects can revolutionize industries.

Marie Van Brittan Brown’s Other Ventures

Beyond her iconic invention, Brown’s ventures were limited but impactful. She focused on refining her security system and advocating for safer communities. No records suggest major business expansions, but her patent’s legacy indirectly supports countless security firms today.

Marie Van Brittan Brown’s Assets

Brown’s primary asset was her patent, which became invaluable to the security industry. She owned a home in Queens, New York, where she developed her system. While specifics about other holdings are scarce, her intellectual property remains her most significant financial asset.

Marie Van Brittan Brown’s Annual Income

Brown’s annual income during her lifetime likely combined earnings from nursing and patent royalties. Exact figures are undisclosed, but licensing deals post-invention provided supplemental income. Her estate may still generate revenue from ongoing use of her patented technology.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Marie Van Brittan Brown

What was Marie Van Brittan Brown’s net worth?

Marie Van Brittan Brown’s exact net worth is not publicly documented, as she was an inventor rather than a celebrity or business magnate. Her wealth primarily came from her invention, the home security system.

How did Marie Van Brittan Brown make her money?

Marie Van Brittan Brown earned money through her invention of the first home security system, which she patented in 1966. The system laid the foundation for modern security technology.

Did Marie Van Brittan Brown become wealthy from her invention?

While her invention was groundbreaking, there is no evidence that Marie Van Brittan Brown amassed significant wealth from it. However, her patent secured her place in history as a pioneer in home security.

Was Marie Van Brittan Brown’s invention commercially successful?

Her invention was not widely commercialized during her lifetime, but it influenced later security systems. The patent itself was a major achievement, even if she did not profit extensively from it.

What was Marie Van Brittan Brown’s profession?

Marie Van Brittan Brown worked as a nurse, but she is best known for her invention of the home security system, which she developed alongside her husband.

Did Marie Van Brittan Brown receive recognition for her invention?

Yes, she received a patent for her invention and posthumous recognition for her contributions to modern security systems. Her work has been celebrated in the tech and inventor communities.

How did Marie Van Brittan Brown’s invention impact modern security systems?

Her invention introduced key features like remote monitoring, two-way communication, and alarm triggers, which are now standard in modern security systems.

Did Marie Van Brittan Brown have other inventions?

No, her home security system is her only known patented invention, but it remains a significant contribution to technology.

Why is Marie Van Brittan Brown not as well-known as other inventors?

Despite her groundbreaking work, she did not receive widespread fame during her lifetime, possibly due to limited commercialization and the challenges faced by Black women inventors in the mid-20th century.

Are there any companies or products directly linked to Marie Van Brittan Brown’s invention?

No major companies directly trace their origins to her invention, but her patent influenced the development of subsequent home security technologies.