Copyright MassLive
Springfield — The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts announces that Pulitzer Prize–winning presidential historian Jon Meacham will headline this year’s Lynn M. and William Foggle Great Issues Lecture Series on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. at Springfield Symphony Hall. This free, community-wide event is open to all, with advance registration required: https://jewishwesternmass.crowdchange.co/50256. Meacham’s lecture, “Hope Through History: How to Survive Turbulent Times,” will explore how America’s past offers guidance for navigating today’s challenges. Meacham will share lessons on leadership, civic responsibility, and the resilience of democracy, highlighting the pivotal role each generation plays in shaping the nation’s future. The Foggle Great Issues Lecture Series was born when longtime Longmeadow residents Lynn and Bill Foggle approached the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts with a bold vision: to create a lecture series that would bring leading thinkers to Western Massachusetts to discuss pressing global and national issues. Together, through a dedicated fund at the Federation’s Jewish Endowment Foundation, the Federation helped turn the Foggles’ idea into a reality, establishing a lasting platform for intellectual exploration, civic dialogue, and community engagement. Now in its sixth year, and hosted in its largest venue to date, the Foggle Great Issues Lecture Series has previously welcomed distinguished voices such as Bari Weiss, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, and Jeffrey Goldberg. The move to Springfield Symphony Hall underscores the series’ expanding reach and continued role as a catalyst for reflection, conversation, and civic participation. Meacham, one of America’s most sought-after historians and commentators, served as Newsweek’s managing editor (1998–2006) and editor (2006–2010). Renowned for bringing history to life, he provides audiences with rich historical context for current events, offering both inspiration and actionable insights for citizens of all backgrounds. The public is encouraged to reserve seats early for this evening of inspiration, education, and historical perspective.
