Jon Meacham

Jon Meacham is an acclaimed historian, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and public intellectual renowned for his profound insights into American history, politics, and leadership. Born on May 20, 1969, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Meacham developed an early passion for history and storytelling, which shaped his distinguished career as a writer and commentator.

Meacham earned his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Sewanee: The University of the South in 1991. He began his career in journalism and quickly rose to prominence as a skilled editor and writer. He served as editor-in-chief of Newsweek and as a contributing editor to Time.

As a historian, Meacham has authored several critically acclaimed biographies and works of history. His Pulitzer Prize-winning book, American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House, provides a nuanced portrait of the controversial seventh U.S. president. Other notable works include The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels, which examines pivotal moments in U.S. history when the nation overcame division and despair, and Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, an in-depth exploration of the third president's complexities as a leader and visionary.

A sought-after speaker and media commentator, Meacham frequently provides historical context for contemporary issues on platforms like PBS, MSNBC, and CNN. His ability to draw lessons from history for modern leadership and citizenship has earned him widespread respect.

In addition to his writing and commentary, Meacham serves as a Canon Historian of the Washington National Cathedral and teaches at Vanderbilt University. He is deeply committed to fostering civil discourse and understanding in an increasingly polarized world.

Meacham’s work reflects his belief in the enduring power of history to illuminate the present and inspire a shared vision for the future. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife and children.