Father Pietro Bandini: The Man Behind The Founding Of Tonitown
Class | Registration opens Tuesday, August 19, 2025 10:00 AM
Journey through the life and career of Father Pietro Bandini, leader of the Italian immigrants who founded Tontitown, Arkansas, with historian Emily Pianalto- Beshears. From his birth in Forli, Italy, in 1852 to his ill-fated career as a Jesuit in the American West, to New York City and his fight for Italian immigrant rights and welfare, and finally his work in Tontitown.
Discover the intricate history of a man who became a legend, marked by his steadfast nature in working for the good of those he served, as well as his questionable character traits that put him at risk during his various missions. This complicated figure will be peeled back to the man who lived among his flock and stood ready to fight off the wolves.
This program will meet in person at OLLI Headquarters (HQ), located at 481 S. Shiloh Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72704. Please read your class reminder email for the exact room location.
Class changes occasionally happen, please watch for (and read) announcements or emails from OLLI regarding your class.
Click on the link below for a Google map shot of our location:
OLLI HQ
Emily Pianalto- Beshears
Emily Pianalto-Beshears graduated with a bachelor’s in history in 2016 from the University of Arkansas. While serving on the Tontitown Historical Museum Board, a position as a staff member became available in 2023. Taking the opportunity as a sign, she switched careers from sales to historian. Using her love of research and skills learned at university, Emily has worked to gain a fuller perspective of Tontitown history from the founding families to the modern-day citizens.