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Virtual Film Screening: From Sea to Shining Sea
From Thursday, February 19, through Thursday, February 26, 2026
Post Date:02/11/2026 9:47 AM
Chatham County, NC — In celebration of America 250, Chatham Community Library will host a virtual screening of From Sea to Shining Sea: Katharine Lee Bates and the Story of America the Beautiful (2025) beginning Thursday, February 19, through Thursday, February 26, 2026.
“America the Beautiful” may be one of the nation’s most beloved songs, yet few know the remarkable story of the woman who wrote it. This compelling documentary explores the life of poet, longtime Wellesley College professor, and social reformer Katharine Lee Bates.
The first words of her poem America—later set to music and renamed America the Beautiful—came to Bates as she stood atop Colorado’s Pikes Peak on July 22, 1893. Inspired by the sweeping view of the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains, Bates penned lyrics expressing both deep love of country and a call for social progress. The film highlights how her words continue to honor generations of Americans striving to shape a more just and beautiful nation.
The documentary has received recognition at several film festivals, including:
• Audience Award, 2nd Runner Up, Woods Hole Film Festival
• ReadingFilmFEST
• Real Work Labor Film Festival
• Zion International Film Festival
• Lift-Off Tokyo Film Festival
The virtual screening will be available beginning Thursday, February 19, at:
https://vimeopro.com/bullfrogfilms/chathamlibraries-fromseatoshiningsea
A password is required to view the film. To request the password or for additional information, please contact social.library@chathamlibraries.org.
Information about all Chatham County Library branches can be found at www.chathamlibraries.org.
Return to full list >>“America the Beautiful” may be one of the nation’s most beloved songs, yet few know the remarkable story of the woman who wrote it. This compelling documentary explores the life of poet, longtime Wellesley College professor, and social reformer Katharine Lee Bates.
The first words of her poem America—later set to music and renamed America the Beautiful—came to Bates as she stood atop Colorado’s Pikes Peak on July 22, 1893. Inspired by the sweeping view of the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains, Bates penned lyrics expressing both deep love of country and a call for social progress. The film highlights how her words continue to honor generations of Americans striving to shape a more just and beautiful nation.
The documentary has received recognition at several film festivals, including:
• Audience Award, 2nd Runner Up, Woods Hole Film Festival
• ReadingFilmFEST
• Real Work Labor Film Festival
• Zion International Film Festival
• Lift-Off Tokyo Film Festival
https://vimeopro.com/bullfrogfilms/chathamlibraries-fromseatoshiningsea
A password is required to view the film. To request the password or for additional information, please contact social.library@chathamlibraries.org.
Information about all Chatham County Library branches can be found at www.chathamlibraries.org.