Cries From The Cotton Field
Class | Registration opens Tuesday, August 19, 2025 10:00 AM
Dive into this visually stunning documentary, Cries from the Cotton Field, a film by Dr. Larry Foley. This documentary is delivered through the words of Father Pietro Bandini, who worked extensively for the benefit of the Italian immigrants coming to America in the late 1800s. His work led him to Southeast Arkansas, where Italian families were suffering on the Sunnyside Plantation. Through their cries, Father Bandini answered with hope as they looked to settle a better land, which led to the settlement and creation of Tontitown, Arkansas. Following the documentary, Emily Pianalto- Beshears will take questions and give commentary about the film, Fr Bandini, and her family.
Light snacks will be provided.
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.