Miriam Benjamin was an African American inventor and activist best known for creating an early signalling system for hotels and public spaces. Born in 1861 in Charleston, South Carolina, she later moved to Boston. Her achievements were especially important at a time when opportunities for both women and African Americans were extremely limited.
What did her invention lead to?
In 1888, Benjamin patented what she called the ‘Gong and Signal Chair’. The invention allowed a person seated in a chair to press a button that would alert an attendant when service was needed. This would signal staff, helping customers receive assistance more quickly. Her design was intended for places such as hotels, theatres, and government buildings, where staff needed a simple way to know when someone required attention. Benjamin was among the first Black women to receive a U.S. patent.
The idea behind her invention is considered an early version of modern call buttons. Call buttons are now commonly used in care homes and customer service settings. Benjamin’s work was praised for improving communication and reducing the need for people to leave their seats to request help.
Her technology contribution is significant
Her invention was so practical that there were even suggestions it could be used in the US House of Representatives to improve communication between members and pages. Although she is not as widely recognised as some inventors from the same period, Miriam Benjamin’s contribution to technology was significant. She helped pave the way for future innovations in communication systems and remains an important figure in American history.