Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham to discuss contentious, divisive American politics

The acrimonious nature of American civic life over the past several years might seem unique, but in reality the country's staunch divisions can be traced to the founding of the republic. 

Jon Meacham, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian, will discuss how the American story is filled with dramatic conflicts that have given rise to hope and fear, calling each generation of citizens to choose the best way forward.

In partnership with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, Grand Valley's Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies will bring Meacham to West Michigan for a presentation on his latest book, The Soul of America: The Better Angels of our Nature.

Jon Meacham: The Soul of America

Thursday, January 10 at noon

L.V. Eberhard Center, Room 215

310 Fulton St. W., Grand Rapids, MI 49504

The event is at full capacity, but a live stream will be available at this link: http://gvsu.edu/s/0UF

Meacham is a noted presidential biographer and an expert on President George H.W. Bush, who died in 2018. Meacham's biography of Bush, Destiny and Power, was a New York Times Bestseller and was named one of the Ten Best Books of the Year by The Washington Post. He is a contributing writer to The New York Times Book Review, Time Magazine, and former editor-in-chief of Newsweek.

Meacham will explore some of the most contentious moments in America's past — and how we might go forward. 

For more information, visit gvsu.edu/hc.