The Mattapoisett Free Public Library is very excited to present a free program on Wednesday, June 13from 6:30 – 7:30 pm by author Melinda M. Ponder, who will discuss her new book Katharine Lee Bates: From Sea to Shining Sea.
Bates (1859-1929), who grew up in Falmouth, wrote “America the Beautiful,” which was put to song and resonates for many people as the most patriotic and beloved American anthem. Her words speak of the beauty and love of our land, our people, and our country – a nation full of hope and possibility.
Ponder’s biography covers the complexities of Katharine Lee Bates, the teacher, poet, community builder, patriot, and trail-blazing woman who wrote “America the Beautiful.” Drawing on extensive research in Bates’ family diaries, letters, and memoirs, Ponder brings Bates to vivid life in her journeys from her childhood in Falmouth during the mid-1800s to Wellesley College, Boston, Oxford, Spain and Egypt. She will address such questions as: Where did Katharine’s childhood fascination in Falmouth with exploring the “wonderful and wide” world take her? How did her travels west to Chicago and Colorado Springs and then overseas to England and Spain inspire her to write and then significantly revise “America the Beautiful”? How did her adventures in Egypt and the Middle East create her final vision of her song?
Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.
Registration is preferred but not required. Please register by calling 508-758-4171, emailing rsmith@sailsinc.org (provide the number of people attending & contact phone/email), or signing up in the library. The Library is located at 7 Barstow Street and is handicapped accessible.