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:
Reel Independence: The Spirit of 1776 in Classic Hollywood
Weds., July 1, 2026, 7pm-8pm ET
Tewksbury Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
In honor of the United States’ Semiquincentennial, step back in time to the founding days of America through the lens of Golden Age Hollywood. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation on classic films set during the American Revolution, ranging from the historically faithful to the boldly romanticized. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.
Reel Independence: The Spirit of 1776 in Classic Hollywood
Thurs., July 2, 2026, 12:30pm lunch; 2pm-3pm CT presentation (IN-PERSON)
Oak Trace
200 Village Dr., Downers Grove, IL 60516
In honor of the United States’ Semiquincentennial, step back in time to the founding days of America through the lens of Golden Age Hollywood. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation on classic films set during the American Revolution, ranging from the historically faithful to the boldly romanticized. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.
Reel Independence: The Spirit of 1776 in Classic Hollywood
Mon., July 13, 2026, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library
3541 Park Ave., Brookfield, IL 60513
In honor of the United States’ Semiquincentennial, step back in time to the founding days of America through the lens of Golden Age Hollywood. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation on classic films set during the American Revolution, ranging from the historically faithful to the boldly romanticized. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.
A Night to Remember: The RMS Titanic on the Silver Screen (1912-1964)
Tues., July 14, 2026, 9am-10am CT (IN-PERSON)
Patty Turner Center
375 Elm St, Deerfield, IL 60015
The story of the ill-fated journey of the RMS Titanic is one that is studied and memorialized all over the world. Long before audiences met Jack and Rose, numerous film studios took on portraying the story of the Titanic, sometimes featuring the survivors themselves or relying upon their narratives. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents about how Golden Age Hollywood paid homage to the Titanic‘s voyage in classic films. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.
A Classic Hollywood Christmas: Part I
Tues., July 21, 2026, 6pm-7pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Manhattan-Elwood Public Library–Manhattan Branch
240 Whitson St., Manhattan, IL 60442
Ring in the holidays with some classic movie magic! Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the history of several beloved holiday classics from the Golden Age of Hollywood, memorable performances, and the legacies of these films today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.
Ladies of Laughter: Great Comediennes
Weds., July 22, 2026, 6:30pm-7:30pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Itasca Bank & Trust Women’s Initiative
Medinah Shriners
550 Shriners Dr, Addison, IL 60101
In the early days of comedy and beyond, many top-notch classic comediennes have made audiences laugh. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents about the funny women of film, television, and radio, including Gracie Allen, Lucille Ball, Eve Arden, and more. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.
Making of a Classic: The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Sat., July 25, 2026, 2:30pm-3:30pm (IN-PERSON)
Hoosier Grove Barn | Schoolhouse Museum
700 Irving Park Rd, Streamwood, IL 60107
Step behind the curtain and discover the magic behind the creation of one of cinema’s most beloved films. This program showcases how a groundbreaking mix of imagination, innovation, and perseverance brought the Land of Oz to life—and why the 1939 classic film continues to enchant audiences more than 80 years later. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a discussion about the production, legacy, and cultural impact of The Wizard of Oz (1939) through a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Songwriters on Screen
Mon., July 27, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Sedgebrook
800 Audubon Way, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Classic Hollywood biopics often put composers and lyricists center stage, using hit songs, star performances, and bold storytelling to bring creativity to life. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents how these films celebrated—and often reinvented—the people behind the music. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.
Gimme a Gimmick!: The Films of William Castle
Tues., July 28, 2026, 1pm-2:30pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Oakton Community College–Skokie Campus
7701 Lincoln Ave, Skokie, IL 60077
Step right up for a wild ride through the outrageous, spine-tingling world of William Castle, the undisputed master of the movie gimmick! Known for electrifying audiences with vibrating seats, floating skeletons, and fright insurance policies, Castle turned B-movies into unforgettable cinematic spectacles. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation that explores Castle’s inventive showmanship, his most iconic films—including House on Haunted Hill, The Tingler, and 13 Ghosts—and how his over-the-top promotional tactics made him a cult legend. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.
Hometowns to Hollywood 