Patriot, Hero, Distracted Person: James Otis, Jr. and Mental Health in the Eighteenth Century
A Virtual Exhibit
In the pantheon of America’s founders, James Otis, Jr. is often mentioned last, if he is even mentioned at all. Though Otis helped to start the American Revolution with his 1761 court case against the Writs of Assistance, he was pushed into an early retirement after a traumatic brain injury in 1769. Nearly overnight, Otis’ personality changed, and his erratic behavior became a liability to the patriot cause. Removed from Boston, he was absent from the spotlight during the nation’s most formative years.
In Patriot, Hero, Distracted Person: James Otis, Jr. and Mental Health in the Eighteenth Century, we reframe Otis’ life from an epic tragedy to a much more familiar story of loss and sacrifice. We invite you to explore Otis’ contributions to the nation, and to consider how he fits his own definition of a patriot and hero: someone willing “to sacrifice estate, ease, health, applause, and even life to the sacred calls of his country.”
Patriot, Hero, Distracted Person is a collaboration between Revolutionary Spaces, Kate LaPine, and the National Museum of Mental Health Project. Historians and artists work together to bring Otis’ story and legacy to life through challenging established public memory, and creating new celebrations of America’s forgotten founder.
COMING SOON: Patriot, Hero, Distracted Person: James Otis, Jr. and Mental Health in the Eighteenth Century will be available online in September 2025. Visit nmmhproject.org for more information.
About National Museum of Mental Health Project, Inc.
The National Museum of Mental Health Project, Inc. is a nonprofit organization and museum without walls that researches and creates exhibitions that can transform society's attitudes about, and understanding of, mental health. Through the development of online exhibits, NMMHP does what museums do best—educate, interpret, advance dialogue, and develop literacy on the topic of mental health.
Join Us for Virtual Exhibit Opening at the Old State House
On September 5, 2025, join us at the Old State House for the launch of Patriot, Hero, Distracted Person: James Otis, Jr. and Mental Health in the Eighteenth Century. This event is free and open to the public but space is limited. Secure your spot today.