History of Elizabeth Smart in Timeline
"Elizabeth Ann Gilmour is a well-known child safety advocate and ABC News commentator. At age 14, she was kidnapped from her Salt Lake City home by Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee. The harrowing experience lasted nine months before she was rescued by law enforcement in Sandy, Utah, catapulting her story into the national spotlight."
November 3, 1987: Birth of Elizabeth Smart
Elizabeth Ann Smart was born on November 3, 1987. She is known for her advocacy work related to child safety.
June 5, 2002: Abduction of Elizabeth Smart
On June 5, 2002, at the age of 14, Elizabeth Smart was abducted from her home in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her abduction gained national attention and sparked a massive search effort.
March 12, 2003: Elizabeth Smart's Rescue
After nine months of captivity, Elizabeth Smart was rescued by police officers in Sandy, Utah, on March 12, 2003. Two witnesses recognized her abductors, Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Ileen Barzee, from an episode of "America's Most Wanted."
2003: Release of "The Elizabeth Smart Story" Film and Related Books
In 2003, the television movie "The Elizabeth Smart Story," based on her father's book "Bringing Elizabeth Home," was released. Her uncle, Tom Smart, and author Lee Benson also published a book about the search for Elizabeth titled "In Plain Sight: The Startling Truth Behind the Elizabeth Smart Investigation."
March 8, 2006: Elizabeth Smart Addresses Congress
Elizabeth Smart spoke before the United States Congress on March 8, 2006, advocating for sexual predator legislation and the AMBER Alert system. Her testimony highlighted the importance of these measures in protecting children.
July 26, 2006: Elizabeth Smart at Adam Walsh Act Event
On July 26, 2006, Elizabeth Smart spoke at an event commemorating the signing of the Adam Walsh Act, which strengthens measures to protect children from sexual exploitation and violent crimes.
May 2008: Elizabeth Smart Promotes "You're Not Alone"
Elizabeth Smart, in May 2008, participated in an event promoting the book "You're Not Alone," a compilation of stories from young adults who had been recovered after being abducted.
October 2009: Elizabeth Smart Speaks at Women's Conference
Elizabeth Smart was a speaker at the 2009 Women's Conference in California, which was hosted by Maria Shriver. She shared her experiences and insights on overcoming obstacles in life.
November 11, 2009: Elizabeth Smart Begins Mission in Paris
Elizabeth Smart embarked on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Paris on November 11, 2009.
November 16, 2009: Wanda Barzee Pleads Guilty
Wanda Barzee pleaded guilty on November 16, 2009, to assisting in the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart. This plea bargain led to her eventual sentencing.
2009: Elizabeth Smart Comments on Jaycee Lee Dugard Case
In 2009, when Jaycee Lee Dugard was found alive after being kidnapped, Elizabeth Smart shared her perspective as a survivor. She emphasized the importance of focusing on the present and future rather than dwelling on the traumatic past.
May 19, 2010: Wanda Barzee's Sentencing
On May 19, 2010, Wanda Barzee was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for her role in the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart.
November 2010: Elizabeth Smart Briefly Returns from Mission for Trial
Elizabeth Smart temporarily returned from her mission in November 2010 to testify as the key witness in Brian David Mitchell's federal trial.
March 2011: Elizabeth Smart Receives Diane von Furstenberg Award
In March 2011, Elizabeth Smart was one of four women who were honored with the Diane von Furstenberg Award, which recognizes women who have demonstrated strength, courage, and leadership in their respective fields.
May 2011: Brian David Mitchell Found Guilty
Brian David Mitchell was found guilty in May 2011 of kidnapping and sexual assault charges related to Elizabeth Smart's case. He received two life sentences in federal prison.
July 7, 2011: Elizabeth Smart Joins ABC News
Elizabeth Smart's role as a commentator for ABC News was announced on July 7, 2011. She primarily focused on missing persons cases, using her experience to raise awareness and provide insights.
2011: Elizabeth Smart Completes Mission, Returns to Utah
After completing her mission in France, Elizabeth Smart returned to Utah in early 2011.
January 2012: Elizabeth Smart and Matthew Gilmour's Engagement
Elizabeth Smart and Matthew Gilmour, whom she met during their mission in Paris, got engaged in January 2012 after a year of courtship.
February 18, 2012: Elizabeth Smart Marries Matthew Gilmour
Elizabeth Smart and Matthew Gilmour were married in a private ceremony at the Laie Hawaii Temple on February 18, 2012.
July 2012: Elizabeth Smart Receives Siena Medal
The Theta Phi Alpha National Fraternity honored Elizabeth Smart with the Siena Medal in July 2012. This medal, named after their patroness St. Catherine of Siena, is the highest honor the organization bestows upon a non-member, recognizing her significant contributions to society.
May 1, 2013: Elizabeth Smart Speaks at Human Trafficking Conference
Elizabeth Smart addressed a human trafficking conference at Johns Hopkins University on May 1, 2013. She discussed the significance of emphasizing individual self-worth in combating human trafficking and the need to challenge cultural myths that diminish a girl's value after sexual contact. She also shared her personal experience of being raped by her captor and criticized the negative impacts of abstinence-only sexual education.
October 2013: Elizabeth Smart Publishes Memoir "My Story"
"My Story," Elizabeth Smart's memoir co-written with Chris Stewart, was published in October 2013 by St. Martin's Press. The book provides a detailed account of her kidnapping and the establishment of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, which focuses on abduction awareness and prevention.
February 2014: Elizabeth Smart Testifies for Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Bill
Elizabeth Smart testified before the Utah State House of Representatives in February 2014 in support of HB 286. This bill aimed to implement an optional curriculum in Utah schools to educate students about child sexual abuse prevention.
2015: Birth of Chloe Rose Gilmour
Elizabeth Smart and Matthew Gilmour welcomed their first child, daughter Chloe Rose, in 2015.
2015: Elizabeth Smart Featured in Faith Counts Video
In a video released by Faith Counts in early 2015, Elizabeth Smart shared how her religious beliefs provided strength and facilitated healing during and after her ordeal.
September 2016: Elizabeth Smart Joins "Crime Watch Daily"
Elizabeth Smart joined the true-crime show "Crime Watch Daily" as a correspondent in September 2016, contributing her expertise on missing persons cases and child safety.
June 5, 2017: "I Am Elizabeth Smart" Premieres on Lifetime
On the 15th anniversary of her abduction, June 5, 2017, Lifetime aired the film "I Am Elizabeth Smart." Narrated and produced by Smart, the film provided her perspective on her kidnapping.
2017: Birth of James Gilmour
Elizabeth Smart and Matthew Gilmour's second child, son James, was born in 2017.
March 2018: Elizabeth Smart Distances Herself from "Elizabeth Smart Law"
Elizabeth Smart, through her spokesperson, distanced herself in March 2018 from the proposed "Elizabeth Smart Law," which aimed to mandate pornography filters on all computers. Her lawyer issued a cease and desist letter to the politicians involved, requesting them to stop using her name in connection with the proposal.
2018: Elizabeth Smart Publishes "Where There's Hope"
In 2018, Elizabeth Smart authored "Where There's Hope: Healing, Moving Forward, and Never Giving Up," published by St. Martin's Press. The book delves into her journey of healing and resilience after her abduction.
2018: Birth of Olivia Gilmour
Olivia, the third child of Elizabeth Smart and Matthew Gilmour, was born in 2018.
2019: Allegation of Sexual Assault on Delta Air Lines Flight and Launch of Smart Defense
In 2019, Elizabeth Smart alleged that a male passenger seated next to her on a Delta Air Lines flight to Utah rubbed her inner thigh while she was sleeping. Following this incident, Smart launched a self-defense program called Smart Defense, aimed at empowering women and girls.
2021: Elizabeth Smart Appears on "The Masked Dancer"
Elizabeth Smart participated in the television show "The Masked Dancer" as "Moth" in 2021. She was eliminated during the third episode.
2022: Elizabeth Smart Executive Produces "Stolen By Their Father"
As part of Lifetime's "Ripped From the Headlines" series, Elizabeth Smart served as executive producer for the movie "Stolen By Their Father" in 2022. The film depicts Lizbeth Meredith's journey to reunite with her daughters after they were kept in Greece by their father.
2023: Elizabeth Smart Executive Produces Lifetime Movies
Elizabeth Smart executive produced two movies for Lifetime's "Ripped From the Headlines" series in 2023: "The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story," recounting Kara Robinson's abduction by Richard Evonitz, and "Abducted By My Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story," which detailed the kidnapping of Elizabeth Thomas.
2024: Elizabeth Smart Executive Produces "The Girl Locked Upstairs: The Tanya Kach Story"
Elizabeth Smart continued her work as executive producer for Lifetime's "Ripped From the Headlines" series in 2024 with the movie "The Girl Locked Upstairs: The Tanya Kach Story," sharing the experience of Tanya Nicole Kach's kidnapping.