We have all learned about America’s Founding Fathers… but what about our “Founding Padres?” In celebration of Independence Day, we’re taking a look at Philip Mazzei, the Italian physician, winemaker, and philosopher whose close friendship with Thomas Jefferson inspired the phrase “all men are created equal” and other doctrines he added into the Declaration of Independence.

For a contribution of such momentous meaning,  Mazzei is a relatively unknown figure today, so our team decided to explore the story of this foundational Italian American figure, and the other Italians present at the founding of our nation, to introduce them to modern audiences.