Director of Sandburg Documentary will Video Chat After Screening Wednesday

For much of the 20th century, Carl Sandburg was synonymous with the American experience, a spokesman for the people. The intriguing and prolific poet and author was the focus of a 2011 PBS American Masters documentary, The Day Carl Sandburg Died, an in-depth portrayal of the “Poet of the People.”

At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, Elmhurst Historical Museum will show the 84-minute documentary at Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Ave.

The film’s director, producer and writer, Paul Bonesteel, will discuss the seven years he spent researching Sandburg and answer questions via video chat after the film. Bonesteel has been a director and cinematographer for more than 25 years and is founder of Bonesteel Films headquartered in Asheville, NC. His focus is “telling real stories with real people in an authentic way.”

The Day Carl Sandburg Died was produced as part of the Emmy award-winning PBS documentary series, American Masters. It begins with Sandburg’s modest upbringing in Illinois and traces the highs and lows of Sandburg’s high-volume career and personal life. Video of his performances and speeches are featured, and remarkable figures such as Pete Seeger, Studs Terkel and Sandburg’s surviving daughter discuss Sandburg’s life, works and legacy.

Reservations for the free screening are requested and can be made online or by calling (630) 279-8696. The program is presented in conjunction with Elmhurst Historical Museum’s exhibit, Carl Sandburg in Elmhurst, open 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday through April 20 at 120 E. Park Ave. Admission is free. 

For more information and a list of additional programs planned throughout the exhibit’s run, visit  the museum's website www.elmhursthistory.org or call 630-833-1457.