Dr. Annette Bochenek loves to take Hometowns to Hollywood on the road–in person or virtually–to offer fun and engaging presentations about Hollywood’s Golden Age. Her presentations range from focusing on various subjects related to Golden Age Hollywood, in addition to presentations that showcase individual performers.
Below is a listing of upcoming presentations and screenings for Hometowns to Hollywood. Attendance is free of charge unless otherwise noted.
To learn more about booking Hometowns to Hollywood at your organization, click here.
UPCOMING PRESENTATIONS:
Shakespeare Goes to Hollywood
Mon., Mar. 2, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Willowbrook Community Resource Center
825 Midway Dr, Willowbrook, IL 60527
Discover how the timeless works of William Shakespeare found new life on the silver screen during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation that explores how classic films reimagined the Bard’s plays with glamorous stars, inventive settings, and mid-century flair—proving that even in Hollywood, all the world’s a stage. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. Call (630) 920-2428 to register; $10 admission.
A Night at the Oscars: Academy Awards History
Mon., Mar. 2, 2026, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Indian Trails Public Library
355 Schoenbeck Rd, Wheeling, IL 60090
It’s time to get red carpet-ready! Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the history of the Academy Awards and some of its memorable moments, while also showcasing previous Best Picture winners and this year’s Best Picture nominees. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.
Rita Hayworth: The Love Goddess
Tues., Mar. 3, 2026, 9am-10am CT (IN-PERSON)
Patty Turner Center
375 Elm St, Deerfield, IL 60015
Rita Hayworth is well-remembered today as one of Golden Age Hollywood’s biggest box office stars. From her early years as a dancer, becoming Hollywood’s first princess, and being realized as a box office bombshell, there is much to explore regarding Hayworth’s on and off-screen life. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about the life and legacy of Rita Hayworth. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.
You’ve Got Rom-Coms!
Tues., Mar. 3, 2026, 7pm-8pm CT
NA’AMAT USA
Online Program via Zoom
Before text messages and meet-cutes in coffee shops, Hollywood perfected the art of falling in love on screen. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation that takes a delightful look at how romantic comedies evolved during the Golden Age—from the screwball antics of the 1930s to the sophisticated charm of the 1950s. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.
A Night at the Oscars: Best Actress Spotlight
Weds., Mar. 4, 2026, 6:30pm-7:30pm CT
Mid-Continent Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Oscar night is Hollywood’s biggest night, with nominees hoping to bring home the most coveted award in the industry. Among them is the Best Actress award, celebrating noteworthy performances by actresses during the award year. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents about memorable Best Actress moments during Oscar ceremonies of years past, as well as exciting victories and shocking upsets. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.
Rita Hayworth: The Love Goddess
Thurs., Mar. 5, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT
CJE SeniorLife
Free Program Online Via Zoom
Rita Hayworth is well-remembered today as one of Golden Age Hollywood’s biggest box office stars. From her early years as a dancer, becoming Hollywood’s first princess, and being realized as a box office bombshell, there is much to explore regarding Hayworth’s on and off-screen life. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about the life and legacy of Rita Hayworth. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.
A Night at the Oscars: Academy Awards History
Thurs., Mar. 5, 2026, 7pm-8pm ET
Bernards Township Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
It’s time to get red carpet-ready! Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the history of the Academy Awards and some of its memorable moments, while also showcasing previous Best Picture winners and this year’s Best Picture nominees. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.
A Night at the Oscars: Academy Awards History
Sat., Mar. 7, 2026, 2pm-3pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Berwyn Public Library
2701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn, IL 60402
It’s time to get red carpet-ready! Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the history of the Academy Awards and some of its memorable moments, while also showcasing previous Best Picture winners and this year’s Best Picture nominees. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.
A Night at the Oscars: Academy Awards History
Mon., Mar. 9, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Hillside Public Library
405 Hillside Avenue, Hillside, IL 60162
It’s time to get red carpet-ready! Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the history of the Academy Awards and some of its memorable moments, while also showcasing previous Best Picture winners and this year’s Best Picture nominees. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.
A Night at the Oscars: Academy Awards History
Tues., Mar. 10, 2026, 2pm-3pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Lake Villa District Library
140 N Munn Rd., Lindenhurst, IL 60046
It’s time to get red carpet-ready! Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the history of the Academy Awards and some of its memorable moments, while also showcasing previous Best Picture winners and this year’s Best Picture nominees. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.
A Night at the Oscars: Academy Awards History
Weds., Mar. 11, 2026, 10am-11am CT (IN-PERSON)
The Little Traveler | Hosted at the Geneva History Museum
113 S 3rd St, Geneva, IL 60134
It’s time to get red carpet-ready! Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the history of the Academy Awards and some of its memorable moments, while also showcasing previous Best Picture winners and this year’s Best Picture nominees. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. $25 admission. BUY TICKETS HERE.
A Night at the Oscars: Best Picture Spotlight
Fri., Mar. 13, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Aram Public Library | Hosted at Town Bank Community Room
826 E. Geneva St., Suite E, Delavan, WI 53115
It’s time to get red carpet ready and delve into the history of the Best Picture category! Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the evolution of the Best Picture category, memorable Best Picture contenders, and this year’s nominees. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.
Emerald Roots: Baum, Chicago, and the Road to Oz
Mon., Mar. 23, 2026, 1pm-2:30pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Oakton Community College–Skokie Campus
7701 Lincoln Ave., Skokie, IL 60077
Explore the fascinating intersection of imagination, industry, and identity in the life of L. Frank Baum—author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz—and his deep ties to the city of Chicago. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation tracing Baum’s journey from a struggling writer to the creator of one of America’s most enduring fairy tales, spotlighting how the vibrant energy of turn-of-the-century Chicago helped shape the magical world of Oz. From the White City of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition to the rise of American consumerism, this program highlights the real-world roots behind Oz’s iconic yellow brick roads and emerald towers in addition to examining Baum’s legacy today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.
Dynamic Duos: Classic Comedy Partnerships
Tues., Mar. 31, 2026, 1:30pm-2:30pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Encore Village of Schaumburg–Bridgegate
350 W. Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194
Whether over the airwaves or on the silver screen, the classic comedy genre benefited from many beloved comedic partnerships. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents early comedy’s top partnerships, including Abbott & Costello, Burns & Allen, Laurel & Hardy, Martin & Lewis, and more. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.
Hometowns to Hollywood 