History of Elizabeth Smart in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 23, 2026

Elizabeth Smart is an American child safety activist and commentator. At 14, she was abducted from her home in Salt Lake City by Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee. For nine months, Smart was held captive, repeatedly raped, and assaulted by Mitchell until her rescue by police in Sandy, Utah. After her rescue, she dedicated her life to child safety advocacy.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

November 3, 1987: Elizabeth Smart's Birth

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

Others born on this day/year

June 5, 2002: Abduction of Elizabeth Smart

On June 5, 2002, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart was abducted at knifepoint from her bedroom 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, after being held captive for nine months. Two witnesses recognized her abductors from an episode of "America's Most Wanted".

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2003: The Elizabeth Smart Story TV Movie

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

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March 8, 2006: Smart speaks before Congress

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: Appearance 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: Missionary in Paris

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

November 16, 2009: 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.

2009: Smart comments on Dugard kidnapping

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

May 19, 2010: 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: Temporary return from mission

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

March 2011: Diane von Furstenberg Award

In March 2011, Elizabeth Smart was one of four women awarded the Diane von Furstenberg Award.

May 2011: Mitchell Sentenced

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

July 7, 2011: ABC News Commentator

On July 7, 2011, ABC News announced that Elizabeth Smart would work as a commentator for them, focusing on missing persons.

2011: Resume Mission

In 2011, after the trial, Elizabeth Smart resumed her mission in Paris.

January 2012: Engagement

In January 2012, Elizabeth Smart became engaged to 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.

July 2012: Siena Medal Award

In July 2012, Theta Phi Alpha honored Elizabeth Smart with the Siena Medal award.

May 1, 2013: Smart discusses human trafficking

On May 1, 2013, Elizabeth Smart spoke at a human trafficking conference at Johns Hopkins University, discussing individual self-worth and dispelling cultural myths.

October 2013: My Story Book Release

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

February 2014: Testimony for HB 286

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

2015: Featured in Faith Counts Video

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

September 2016: Correspondent for Crime Watch Daily

As of September 2016, Elizabeth Smart is a correspondent for the true-crime show Crime Watch Daily.

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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.

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March 2018: Denial of Relationship to "Elizabeth Smart 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.

2018: Where There's Hope Book Publication

In 2018, Elizabeth Smart published "Where There's Hope: Healing, Moving Forward, and Never Giving Up" with St. Martin's Press.

2019: Participation in Smart Justice Documentary

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

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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.

2019: Alleged Groping Incident and Smart Defense Program

In 2019, while traveling home to Utah aboard a Delta Air Lines flight, Elizabeth Smart alleged a male passenger groped her. She reported the incident and started a self-defense program called Smart Defense.