Poetry & Prose

This article offers activities relating to poet Katharine Lee Bates. She is most well known for her poem “America” (also known as "America the Beautiful").

The opening lines of “America the Beautiful” first struck Katharine Lee Bates atop Pikes Peak in the Rocky Mountains. During the summer of 1893, she embarked on a journey across the United States. Originally written as a poem, many of the lines in Bates’ ode to the American landscape refer to geographical features she encountered during her travels.

Longfellow’s writing, and that of members of his social circle, provide contemporary audiences a lens on the history of romantic relationships between women in New England in the 1800s. Boston Marriages were a newer concept in the second half of the 1800s, owing its meaning to the women involved in them. Women in these marriages were often from New England, college-educated, financially independent, and with careers of their own.

This is a page from Amy Matilda Cassey's friendship album most likely written by either Margaretta or Mary Forten, daughters of James Forten. This page has a drawing of a forget-me-not flower, the subject of the poem, along with a poem.

Very few of Ellen Murray’s writings have been identified or published. However, not all of Ellen Murray’s writings remained private. Between 1861 and 1865, she wrote at least fourteen poems that she had published in the National Anti-Slavery Standard, a prominent abolitionist newspaper. Her poems offer a glimpse in the world and perspective of one of Penn School’s founders.

This poem is part of a series by Ellen Murray, a co-founder of the Penn School on St. Helena Island, SC. "Lines" was first published in The New South on November 1, 1862.

Samantha DeFlitch, of Plymouth, NH, is participating as a Poet in the Artist-in-Residence program at Acadia National Park in 2025.

Henry and Fanny Longfellow had six children, all born in the 1840s and 1850s: Charles, Annie, Alice, Ernest, baby Fan, and Edith. This online exhibition highlights the toys, clothing, artwork, schoolwork, books, poetry, and familial challenges that shaped their childhood.

Lynn Rigney Schott has lived in view of Lake Roosevelt for over 30 years. She has raised her family, gone through her teaching career, and retired by the waters near Kettle Falls. She continues to explore and write poetry about familiar places like Bradbury Beach, Rickey Point, Kettle Falls, and the stars above them all. This is her park story.

Mike Bove, of Portland, ME, is participating as a Writer in the Artist-in-Residence program at Acadia National Park in 2024.