The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is proud to introduce a new class this fall titled “The Beauty and Tragedy of Jonestown.” This course, taught by Preston Jones intends to feature a deep dive into the dark events that took place in November 1978 when more than 900 Americans died at Jonestown, Guyana, in the largest murder-suicide in modern history. What attracted people to Peoples Temple, whose members established the commune in Guayana? Why did the 900 go along with the call to end their lives and the lives of their children? Why, despite this horror, do some survivors continue to say that there was something beautiful about Peoples Temple and Jonestown? Jones hopes to explain this incident and provide the audience with an unforgettable experience of informative, in-depth knowledge and research.
Preston Jones teaches history at John Brown University. His writing specialty focuses on the American empire of the years 1898-1910, with a focus on Alaska and the Philippines. His teaching specialty focuses on the experience of combat. He has publicly interviewed more than 100 war veterans of every conflict since the Second World War and he has published a short book on the spiritual lives of men in combat.
The class will be offered in-person at Drake Airfield on Monday, 10/12 from 9:30 – 11:30AM
Register here:
https://reg138.imperisoft.com/UARK/ProgramDetail/3332303230/Registration.aspx
You won’t want to miss it!
OLLI is a service organization that offers an array of short courses, lectures, hikes, walking tours, special events, book clubs, special interest groups, day trips and social functions. OLLI classes, programs and activities are geared toward the interests of adults 50 and over, but there are no age restrictions or academic prerequisites. Anyone is welcome to participate.
