Book a Screening

The hidden truth about America's most popular song.

America the Beautiful may be America's most beloved song. But few know about the fascinating life of the writer behind it: poet, long-time professor at Wellesley College and social reformer Katharine Lee Bates.

The first words of her poem America (later set to music and called America the Beautiful) came to Bates as she surveyed the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains from the broad summit of Colorado's Pike's Peak on July 22, 1893. Bates penned lyrics that reflect both a love for her country and a desire for reform. The song does not ignore the fact that the United States has often not lived up to its promises and ideals, yet it honors the unbroken chain of Americans who, living up to those ideals and loving their country deeply, strived to make it all it can be.

37 minutes
SDH captions

Book a Screening
Screening Resources
Institutional DVD Purchase
Directed by John de Graaf
Produced by Laurence Cotton, Karen Olcott
Editor: Greg Davis
Photography: Greg Davis, Diana Wilmar
Executive Producers: Kevin White, Vada O. Manager 
"A powerful, impactful, timely film. From Sea to Shining Sea masterfully weaves the story of this unsung heroine with the untold people's history of the United States. Everyone who cares about this country and global peace should view this documentary."
Susan Erenrich, Social Movement History Documentarian, Lecturer of Government Teaching, American University
"As divided as Americans are today, it seems ironic that when America the Beautiful is sung, everyone is drawn to its deeply emotional message...But as we know, beautiful poetry often carries a gut punch. Bates wove the extremes of wealth and poverty and war and peace into lines that challenge us to mend our 'every flaw'. This moving, visually and musically appealing film offers context to the content of America the Beautiful, inviting us all to embrace its message with greater passion!"
Kathy O'Keefe, Professor Emerita of Leisure Studies, University of South Alabama

"Compelling...Illuminating...From Sea to Shining Sea is a home run to dead center."
Ross Peterson, Professor of History, Utah State University

"From Sea to Shining Sea helped me to appreciate the history and meaning behind America the Beautiful. A particularly important idea is Katharine Lee Bates's hope that America would acknowledge its flaws while honoring its most beautiful ideals, pointing toward a positive patriotism...It's a great film with important messages for our times."
Anders Hayden, Associate Professor of Political Science, Dalhousie University
"I'm so grateful for this film. The song which is part of the fabric of our culture has acquired new depth for me, and new feeling...I hope as many Americans as possible see this film. Then, every time we hear Bates' love song to America, every time we sing it ourselves, we'll remember the history that it refers to and the feelings that Bates poured into its verses."
Karin De Weille, Professor Emerita of Literature, John Jay College

"From Sea to Shining Sea is superbly crafted for guiding students to find parallels from the past to salient present-day issues. The film empowers young Americans, offering hope, inspiration and a way forward."
Maureen Moffitt Wilt, Professor Emerita of Social Work, University of Central Missouri
Do you like this page?
Learn about Screenings
Join Us!