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Pirandello Institute of Italian Language and Culture

Our Mission

The Pirandello Institute has long been a dream of Vita Mesnick—a dream brought to life through love, patience, dedication, and an enduring passion for Italian language and culture. The Institute stands as the result of her years of commitment, effort, and inspiration, creating a vibrant community of students and friends united by a shared appreciation for learning and connection.

After many years of inspiring students through her teaching, Vita has decided the time has come to retire from the traditional classroom format. While she is stepping away from formal instruction, she remains deeply committed to the Pirandello Institute and the community she has helped build over the years.

To support that continued connection, we are pleased to introduce Conversations with Vita—an informal opportunity for students and friends of the Institute to spend time with her in a relaxed and flexible setting.

These one-on-one or small-group conversations can be arranged directly with Vita, free of charge, and may include speaking in Italian, discussing books and culture, reviewing aspects of the language, sharing memories, or exploring topics of mutual interest. Designed to foster conversation rather than formal instruction, these sessions preserve what has always been at the heart of the Pirandello experience: meaningful connection, lively discussion, and a shared love of Italian language and culture.  If interested, click here to
email.

We are grateful for Vita's continued presence in our community and look forward to this new chapter—one that celebrates friendship, conversation, and the dream she has nurtured for so many years.

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Upcoming Events

  • Beppe Gambetta with special guest Hayes Griffin
    Beppe Gambetta with special guest Hayes Griffin
    Sun, Oct 25
    The Hub
    Join us at The Northside Hub (lovingly referred to as “The Hub”) for the return of acclaimed guitarist and composer Beppe Gambetta, whose masterful performances blend the driving rhythms of American bluegrass with the rich melodic traditions of his native Italy.
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  • Il Giorno dei Morti con Totò
    Il Giorno dei Morti con Totò
    Mon, Nov 02
    Gallery 40
    Come join us as we celebrate Il Giorno dei Morti with a poem by Antonio de Curtis, more commonly known by his stage name, Totò.
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Join Us

Help us in our mission to encourage those who are passionate about Italy, Italian language, literature, cuisine, and music.

Send a check made out to "Pirandello Institute" to:
30 Haviland Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
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Contributions will support the Vita Mesnick Italian Language Scholarship at Arlington High School, established to inspire and assist committed students of Italian in furthering their studies.

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