Noble Story Co. today announced the release of Benjamin Rush: The Revolutionary War's Indispensable Doctor, a documentary examining the life and legacy of one of America's most consequential yet overlooked Founding Fathers. The film launches today, June 1, 2026, exclusively on Wonder Project as part of their America250 programming celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary.
Hosted by New York Times best-selling author and historian Joseph Loconte, the documentary reclaims Benjamin Rush as an indispensable Founding Father — a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a surgeon in Washington’s army, and moral visionary whose democratic ideals helped shape the American republic. The film was produced by the Rivendell Center with support from Founding Forward, Grove City College, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
"Benjamin Rush is one of those rare figures in American history who was present at every critical moment — and yet somehow forgotten. We are thrilled to partner with Wonder Project to bring his extraordinary story to audiences, especially during this milestone year for our nation." — Andrew Teravskis, Noble Story Co.
"Benjamin Rush understood something that too many of his contemporaries were not willing to accept: that the ideals of the American Revolution — liberty, equality, and God-given rights — must apply to everyone. His story is merely a part of the historical record. It is a challenge to every generation that follows." — Joseph Loconte, Host and Historian
“Too often, some of the most influential figures in our nation’s history are overlooked. Benjamin Rush was not only a signer of the Declaration of Independence, but a physician, reformer, educator, and advocate whose life reflected both the promise and challenge of the American experiment. As our nation commemorates its 250th anniversary and reflects on its past while looking toward the future, we hope this project helps viewers deepen their understanding of our country's history. That understanding is essential as we continue to learn how each generation can carry forward the ideals upon which our nation was founded." -Kira Foley-Tuzman, Founding Forward
ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY The documentary delves into several defining aspects of Rush's remarkable life and legacy: Founding Ideals. Rush was a vocal and early critic of slavery. Years before the Revolution, he published a fiery pamphlet demolishing the rationalizations for slave-keeping in the American colonies — a moral stand that set him apart from many of his fellow Founders.
Political Catalyst. The film details Rush's pivotal role in the intellectual shaping of the Revolution, including his close friendship with Thomas Paine and his direct encouragement to publish the revolutionary pamphlet Common Sense — one of the most influential documents in American history.
Public Health Pioneer. Rush was one of the most prominent colonial-era physicians in America, recognized for his vital — if aggressive — medical care of patients during the devastating 1793 Yellow Fever epidemic in Philadelphia.
Social Reform. Driven by his Christian worldview and deep concern for the marginalized, Rush assisted Richard Allen in founding the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church — the first independent Black religious denomination in the United States, a milestone in African-American history.
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ABOUT BENJAMIN RUSH Doctor Benjamin Rush was one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence-and, at age 30, one of the youngest. He graduated from college at age 15 and had established his own medical practice by age 24. He served as a chief surgeon in the Continental Army; became a leading abolitionist and supporter of African-American churches in Philadelphia; and trained a generation of doctors at the nation’s first hospital.
Rush was also among the most consequential social reformers of his era. He was a key intellectual influence on Thomas Paine and the pamphlet Common Sense. And unlike most of his fellow Founders, Rush fully recognized that any call for God-given rights must apply to all people — including the enslaved black population in the American colonies.
ABOUT THE PARTNERS Noble Story Co. is an independent film studio based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, dedicated to telling stories worth re-watching through films and series that celebrate goodness, truth, and beauty. For more information, visit noblestoryco.com
Wonder Project is an entertainment company dedicated to telling courageous stories that inspire hope and restore faith in things worth believing in. Operating as an independent studio, distribution platform, and trusted brand, Wonder produces and curates premium content for the faith and values audience. Its subscription on Prime Video offers original programming alongside an extensive, curated library of licensed titles. Learn more at https://www.watchwonderproject.com/
The Rivendell Center, based in New York City, is an academic center dedicated to promoting the classical-Christian inheritance of Western civilization. Through lectures, salons, films, and other initiatives, the center introduces the story of our civilization to young professionals in New York and to audiences around the world. For more information, visit The Rivendell Center
Founding Forward is a national non-profit civic education organization dedicated to informing and engaging citizens through transformational educational experiences grounded in American history. Through immersive student programs, teacher professional development seminars, public exhibits, scholarships, and community events, Founding Forward helps Americans better understand our nation’s history and their role in preserving and advancing its promise for future generations.
