Rick Atkinson speaks at UNH's Rutman Distinguished Lecture Series

Atkinson examined and explored George Washington’s legacy On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the University of New Hampshire welcomed Pulitzer-prize winning journalist and historian, Rick Atkinson to speak for this year's Rutman Lecture Series in the Memorial Union Building (MUB). The Rutman Lecture Series began in 2013 and has since invited academics to speak on American Presidencies, Atkinson chose to analyze the first and most famous president, George Washington. Specifically, Atkinson looked at Washington through the lens of war using his knowledge from writing eight narrative history books about five wars including the American Revolution. “Where does a writer begin writing about George Washington?” Said Atkinson. Atkinson and other historians have the unique challenge of describing events with details that are found purely through research. Atkinson found many characteristics of Washington that are commonly overlooked, describing him as opaque, molten tempered and pitiful of himself.

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