Highfield Hall & Gardens Exhibition: O Beautiful: The Life and Legacy of Poet Katharine Lee Bates

The country will celebrate 250 years of Independence in 2026. To honor this special Semi-quincentennial anniversary, Highfield will present a celebratory exhibition, O Beautiful: The Life and Legacy of Katharine Lee Bates. Katherine Lee Bates’ (1859-1929.) life story is rich with themes of exploration, creativity, and patriotism. Born in Falmouth, MA, and educated at Wellesley College, Bates was a prolific writer, influential college professor, resolute scholar, and commentator on social issues.

The exhibit examines the poem America the Beautiful through a biographical and geographical lens, highlighting Bates’s impressions of the vast American landscape she experienced during her 1893 train journey from Boston to Colorado. The trip inspired her to write what would become a hugely popular and set-to-music poem.

By the time of its publication on July 4, 1895, each stanza mirrored the social and political climate in her day. America the Beautiful; evolved from an aspirational poem into a beloved anthem that embodies the values of community, nature, and the common good – principles on which our country was founded and continues to inspire us today.

The exhibition weaves together artwork, photographs, costumes, interactive activities, and immersive storytelling to educate and inspire families to appreciate the life and legacy of Katharine Lee Bates. Her journey from Falmouth to Pikes Peak becomes a vivid shared adventure through the scenes and views described in the poem, connecting the past to the present in a way that is accessible and memorable.

Experienced museum professional and guest curator Rebecca Shea brings her expertise in women and fashion history to Highfield for this richly contextualized exhibit.

O Beautiful: The Life and Legacy of Poet Katharine Lee Bates is made possible in part through the generous support of The Brabson Family Foundation, Cape Cod 5 Charitable Endowment, The Falmouth Fund, John K and Thirza F Davenport Foundation and The Woods Hole Foundation.