Childhood and Education Journey of Elizabeth Smart in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Elizabeth Smart. A timeline of key moments.

Elizabeth Smart is an American child safety activist and commentator for ABC News. At the age of 14, she was abducted from her home in Salt Lake City by Brian David Mitchell and held captive for nine months with his wife, Wanda Barzee. Smart was eventually rescued by police officers in Sandy, Utah. Following her rescue, Smart has become a prominent advocate for child safety and has shared her story to raise awareness about abduction and abuse.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

November 3, 1987: Elizabeth Smart's birth

On November 3, 1987, Elizabeth Ann Gilmour (née Smart) was born. She later became an American child safety activist and commentator for ABC News.

Others born on this day/year

June 5, 2002: Elizabeth Smart's abduction

On June 5, 2002, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart was abducted at knifepoint from her bedroom in her family's house in Salt Lake City, Utah.

March 12, 2003: Elizabeth Smart's rescue

On March 12, 2003, Elizabeth Smart was rescued by police officers on a public street in Sandy, Utah, 18 miles from her home, after being held captive for nine months.

2003: The Elizabeth Smart Story movie

In 2003, the television movie "The Elizabeth Smart Story" was made, based on the book by Smart's father.

Loading Video...

March 8, 2006: Smart's Congressional testimony

On March 8, 2006, Elizabeth Smart spoke before the United States Congress to support sexual predator legislation and the Amber alert system.

July 26, 2006: Smart speaks at Adam Walsh Act event

On July 26, 2006, Elizabeth Smart spoke at an event following the signing of the Adam Walsh Act.

May 2008: Smart at book event

In May 2008, Elizabeth Smart appeared at an event promoting the book "You're Not Alone", to which she contributed.

October 2009: Smart speaks at Women's Conference

In October 2009, Elizabeth Smart spoke at the 2009 Women's Conference in California, hosted by Maria Shriver, on overcoming obstacles in life.

November 11, 2009: LDS Missionary in Paris

On November 11, 2009, Elizabeth Smart began to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Paris.

November 16, 2009: Wanda Barzee pleads guilty

On November 16, 2009, Wanda Barzee pled guilty to assisting in the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart as part of a plea bargain with prosecutors.

2009: Smart comments on Jaycee Lee Dugard kidnapping

In 2009, Elizabeth Smart commented on the kidnapping of Jaycee Lee Dugard, sharing her experience on recovering from trauma.

May 19, 2010: Wanda Barzee sentenced

On May 19, 2010, federal Judge Dale A. Kimball sentenced Wanda Barzee to 15 years in federal prison, giving her credit for seven years already served.

November 2010: Trial of Brian David Mitchell

In November 2010, Elizabeth Smart temporarily returned from her mission in Paris to serve as the chief witness in the federal trial of Brian David Mitchell.

May 2011: Brian David Mitchell sentenced

In May 2011, Brian David Mitchell was found guilty on kidnapping and sexual assault charges and sentenced to two life terms in federal prison.

January 2012: Engagement to Matthew Gilmour

In January 2012, Elizabeth Smart became engaged to Scotland native Matthew Gilmour after a one-year courtship.

February 18, 2012: Marriage to Matthew Gilmour

On February 18, 2012, Elizabeth Smart married Matthew Gilmour in a private ceremony in the Laie Hawaii Temple.

May 1, 2013: Smart speaks at Johns Hopkins

On May 1, 2013, Elizabeth Smart spoke at a human trafficking conference at Johns Hopkins University, discussing individual self-worth and dispelling myths surrounding loss of value upon sexual contact.

October 2013: My Story memoir published

In October 2013, "My Story", a memoir of Elizabeth Smart's experience co-written with Chris Stewart, was published by St. Martin's Press.

February 2014: Smart testifies for HB 286

In February 2014, Elizabeth Smart testified before the Utah State House of Representatives in favor of HB 286, a bill creating an optional curriculum for child sexual abuse prevention.

2015: Faith Counts Video

In early 2015, Elizabeth Smart was featured in a Faith Counts video, explaining how her religion sustained her through her ordeal and helped her heal.

June 5, 2017: I Am Elizabeth Smart film airs

On June 5, 2017, on the 15th anniversary of her abduction, Lifetime aired the made-for-TV film titled "I Am Elizabeth Smart", narrated and produced by Elizabeth Smart, which tells the story of her kidnapping from her perspective.

Loading Video...

March 2018: Spokesman denies relationship to pornography filter law

In March 2018, Elizabeth Smart's spokesman denied her relationship to the proposed "Elizabeth Smart Law" requiring pornography filters on computers, and her lawyer sent a cease and desist letter.

2019: Self-Defense Program

In 2019, Elizabeth Smart alleged a male passenger groped her on a Delta Air Lines flight. She reported the incident and began a self-defense program for women and girls called Smart Defense.

2019: Smart Justice documentary

In 2019, Elizabeth Smart participated in the Lifetime documentary "Smart Justice: The Jayme Closs Case", offering her perspective on healing and recovery.

Loading Video...

2019: Father Comes Out as Gay

In 2019, Elizabeth Smart's father Ed came out as gay and left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, leading to the divorce of her parents. Elizabeth Smart stated she was on good terms with her parents and intended to support both through the changes in their lives.