US Stamps
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.
MORE RELATED ARTICLES
Community Comments
Headlines
-
US Stamps
Dec 11, 2019, 3 PMError discovered on 1931 local Christmas seal
-
Postal Updates
Dec 11, 2019, 1 PMPRC proposes giving USPS greater freedom to raise stamp prices
-
US Stamps
Dec 10, 2019, 7 PMUSPS reveals issue dates for first 2020 U.S. stamps
-
Postal Updates
Dec 10, 2019, 6 PMSenate confirms Duncan for second term on Postal Service’s board of governors