Benjamin Rush

The phrase “Founding Fathers” often conjures up the names of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and James Madison. One lesser-known name is Dr. Benjamin Rush. A native of Philadelphia, Rush began a flourishing medical career and made a name for himself as an elected delegate to the Continental Congress, eventually becoming a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He served as the surgeon general of the Continental Army and developed directives for preventive health in the military. He clashed with superiors and criticized George Washington’s leadership tactics, ultimately resigning his commission after only two years.

With support from an NEH grant, the Rivendell Center produced a four-part docuseries, narrated by author and historian Joseph Loconte, detailing Rush's contributions to medicine and the founding of the United States.