As part of America250 programming, the Wonder Project, in collaboration with the Rivendell Center, announces the new documentary, Benjamin Rush: The Revolutionary War’s Indispensable Doctor. The 60-minute film tells the story of an obscure member of an elite group: those who put their names to the Declaration of Independence.
Benjamin Rush, whose signature can be found just above Benjamin Franklin’s, seems to be one of those behind-the-scenes people whose influence moved many of the more famous founding fathers. A Philadelphia native, Rush regularly corresponded with John and Abigail Adams. Thomas Paine consulted him when writing Common Sense. He pioneered medical advancements for public health as the chief surgeon for George Washington’s army and later as an educator of medical students.
Hosted by New York Times best-selling author and historian Joseph Loconte, the documentary paints a picture of a young professional whose convictions were borne out in a powerful way in all his undertakings. Rush uses a style of narration that keeps the audience glued to the screen. Loconte projects an aura of excitement with the information he presents, moving from place to place, interviewing experts, and keeping the audience engaged with his manner and off-the-cuff comments to the film crew.
Loconte takes viewers to Independence Hall, describing the electric atmosphere the day the Declaration was signed. Not far from that hallowed building is the American Philosophical Society, of which Rush was an active member. Flipping carefully through delicate documents, the curator shows Loconte some of Rush’s writings.
The doctor’s Christian faith influenced his views and his work for American independence. He stringently opposed slavery, even at a time when many of the founding fathers themselves owned slaves. He stood against capital punishment and advocated for mental health and addiction treatment.
If you’re looking for a story to celebrate America’s birthday, Benjamin Rush might just do the trick.
For more information on the Wonder Project, a subscription available through Amazon Prime, click here.
If you don’t have a Wonder Project subscription, parts of the film are available for free here at the Rivendell Center’s website.