It all started on April 5, 1874, with a nighttime break-in.
After the event, Edward Callahan created a telegraph-based "call box" to signal for assistance to a central office. He quickly connected 50 other homes in the neighborhood, creating the first residential security system network.
American District Telegraph was incorporated shortly thereafter on Aug. 14, 1874, in Baltimore.
Now, a century and a half later, ADT still makes helping to protect and connect what matters most the centerpiece of our work. ADT will celebrate that legacy with a series of events to honor the incredible achievement of 150 years in operation.
Employee appreciation events
ADT teams across the country will hold gatherings on Aug. 14 and beyond to celebrate the company’s most important asset: Our employees.
These celebrations are also an opportunity for ADT teams to reflect on our rich history of innovation. In the video below, we tell the story of how that legacy is still shaping our technological advancements, and helping benefit our customers.
The Birthday Party Project
This month, we won't only be celebrating ourselves — we'll also be helping children in need have happier birthdays.
ADT is partnering with The Birthday Party Project, a nonprofit organization based in Dallas that works to bring joy to unhoused kids and youth by throwing them unforgettable birthday celebrations. Through the ADT Safe Places program, we are sponsoring the group's work for the entire month of August.
Additionally, ADT teams at four locations across the U.S. recently packed more than 800 goodie bags for the organization, which will be distributed at parties this month. ADT volunteers will also participate in a gift-wrapping event on Aug. 14 at The Birthday Party Project headquarters in Dallas, and at one of the group's birthday parties on Aug. 16.
Ringing the NYSE opening bell
Ten outstanding ADT employees will join Jim DeVries, ADT Chairman, President and CEO, and Jeff Likosar, President, Corporate Development and Transformation, and Chief Financial Officer, at the New York Stock Exchange to ring the opening bell on Aug. 13 in honor of our milestone celebration.
DeVries invited the employees to the event because of their commitment to ADT’s mission and exceptional service to customers.
Miami Marlins field presence
ADT is expanding our presence at the Miami Marlins’ stadium with banners celebrating our birthday and our new “When Every Second Counts” marketing campaign. This includes a large sign on the outfield wall, new signs behind home plate and refreshed third-baseline branding for the rest of the season. ADT will also have our special 150th birthday logo on the pitcher's mound for several games.
ADT’s fan booth, where visitors can make personalized digital baseball cards and interact with ADT products, also has new 150-themed signage for the rest of the season.