Two Local Filmmakers document the  life of “America The Beautiful” creator, Katherine Lee Bates

Think Out Loud

Two Local Filmmakers document the life of “America The Beautiful” creator, Katherine Lee Bates

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Published on Jun 25, 2026, 1:18:35 PM
Total time: 00:18:57

Episode Description

Katherine Lee Bates' greatest hope in life was to write a poem that people would remember after she died. One hundred and thirty three years later millions of people across the United States will sing “America the Beautiful,” commemorating the nations’ 250th anniversary. However, some of the same problems America faced at the time Bates wrote her poem are still relevant today.

 

Filmmakers Laurence Cotton and John de Graaf join us to discuss their documentary “From Sea to Shining Sea,” which follows the life of Katherine Lee Bates, and the striking relevance of “America the Beautiful” today.

 

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