Just in time for Women’s History Month, From Sea to Shining Sea, the film about Katharine Lee Bates and Story of America the Beautiful, will have a premiere showing on March 25, 6:30 pm at the Cornerstone Arts Building at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. America the Beautiful may be America’s most beloved song, but we know little about the fascinating life of the writer behind it.
Produced by documentary filmmaker John de Graaf, this film explores the rich life of poet, professor and social reformer Katharine Lee Bates, author of America the Beautiful. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Bates’ story reminds us of the beauty and ideals of our nation as well as its shortcomings, and honors the unbroken chain of Americans striving to live up to those ideals.
Ms. Bates had quite a fascinating life. Here are a few of the details that stand out in her heroic life. She stood for the rights of women before they could vote. She protested against animal cruelty and refused to wear fur over a hundred years ago. She stood for immigrants, the poor, world peace, and lived to see two achievements she fought for come to pass - the adoption of the League of Nations, and the ratification of the 19th Amendment, enshrining women's right to vote. She taught at Wellesley College for 40 years, and there are streets and statues named after her in Cape Cod.
In the months ahead, From Sea to Shining Sea, will be shown at locations across America. Stay tuned for additional dates. Here is the website: www.seatoshiningseafilm.org.