Born May 24: Lillian M. Gilbreth

By Michael Baadke

Lillian Evelyn Moller Gilbreth, an industrial management engineer often referred to as the “first lady of engineering,” was born May 24, 1878, in Oakland, Calif.

With her husband, Frank Bunker Gilbreth, she founded Gilbreth, Inc., conducting time motion studies in industrial settings and developing improvements to create more efficient and effective work environments.

Their pioneering studies also included developing improved and efficient settings at work and home for individuals with disabilities.

Connect with Linn’s Stamp News: 

    Sign up for our newsletter
    Like us on Facebook
    Follow us on Twitter

When Frank died in 1924, Lillian continued their work with a focus on eliminating wasted motion.

The Gilbreths were the parents of 12 children, and a book about their family life, Cheaper by the Dozen, was written by two of them. The book became a successful 1950 film by the same name. A 2003 film version was mostly unrelated to the original story about the family.

A 40¢ stamp honoring Lillian M. Gilbreth was issued Feb. 24, 1984, in the Great Americans definitive series.