NOW STREAMING ON PBS: Unlikely Union

The Unlikely Union: A Storytelling Symphony features historian Greg Jackson and the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Meyer, in an epic retelling of America’s first century through music and storytelling. The event will also air on WQED (Pittsburgh region) on July 5, 2026, at 4 p.m. The collaboration premiered at the Palace Theatre on January 17, 2026.

July 5 at 4 PM WQED (Pittsburgh region)

July 26 at 6 PM on WPSU (Central North Central PA)

July 17 at Fort Ligonier: Professor Greg Jackson stops by Fort Ligonier for an exclusive book signing (1-4 PM) and reading (2:30 PM) of his just released book Been There, Done That: How Our History Shows What We Can Overcome. Museum admission rates apply. Link to Fort Ligonier for Event Details

Watch Now!

Link: https://www.pbs.org/video/the-unlikely-union-a-storytelling-symphony-cnm7sr

Promo

Not a Concert. Not a Lecture. Something Entirely New.

A powerful new live experience blending a hit history podcast and the musicians of the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, created in celebration of America 250 and filmed for Public television.

• A cinematic original score performed live by symphony musicians
• Storytelling by Greg Jackson, host of the chart-topping podcast History That Doesn’t Suck!
• America’s first 100 years brought vividly to life
• A one-night debut performance filmed for broadcast
  

Professor Greg Jackson, creator of the popular podcast History That Doesn’t Suck! will collaborate with the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Daniel Meyer. Together, they presented a live orchestra adaptation of Jackson’s acclaimed touring show, which recounts the first 100 years of American history.

Meet the Storyteller – Professor Greg Jackson

Professor Greg Jackson, the charismatic storyteller behind History That Doesn’t Suck!, is renowned for his ability to make history engaging and accessible. His podcast consistently ranks at the top of Apple and Spotify history charts, counting millions of listeners with its unique blend of humor and insight. Jackson masterfully narrates “The Unlikely Union,” a gripping 100-year journey beginning with thirteen distinct British colonies uniting to form a new republic that will become the model for Western democracy. This young nation’s durability and commitment to its founding ideals are then tested in a bloody civil war.

“This story actually begins right here in Western PA in 1754,” says Jackson, “when a young George Washington, in his first command of a colonial militia, inadvertently ignites a world war that will lead to an American Revolution. So, I can’t think of a better place to debut this storytelling symphony than with the Westmoreland Orchestra.”

Listen to the Preview on WQED Voice of the Arts

The Orchestra – Maestro Daniel Meyer

Westmoreland Symphony Chorus