Richard Bushman was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on 20 June 1931. Brother Bushman received his AM, AB, and PhD in the history of American civilization from Harvard University. Through the years he has taught at Harvard University, Brigham Young University, Boston University, University of Delaware, and at Columbia University. He married his wife, Claudia Lauper Bushman, in August of 1955. Together they have four sons and two daughters. Brother Bushman served a mission for the LDS church in New England and Atlantic Canada. His Church callings over the years include seminary teacher, bishop, stake president, and stake patriarch.