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 profile 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:

The Marx Bros: A Legacy of Laughter
Tues., Feb. 6, 2024, 10am-11am
REAP–Great Neck, NY
Online Program via Zoom
Go behind the scenes of classic Hollywood history with Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek, as you learn about the lives and legacies of the legendary Marx Brothers comedy team. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

Hollywood Valentine: Married in the Movies
Thurs., Feb. 8, 2024, 2pm-3pm ET
Syosset Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Love is in the air in classic Hollywood! Many beloved Hollywood classics featured wedding scenes across a broad range of film genres. In real life, many film stars also happened to have high-profile and eagerly anticipated weddings. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents memorable classic film wedding moments, both on the screen and off. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Hollywood Valentine: Married in the Movies
Tues., Feb. 13, 2024, 7pm-8pm CT
Winfield Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Love is in the air in classic Hollywood! Many beloved Hollywood classics featured wedding scenes across a broad range of film genres. In real life, many film stars also happened to have high-profile and eagerly anticipated weddings. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents memorable classic film wedding moments, both on the screen and off. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

A Night at the Oscars: Best Picture Spotlight
Thurs., Feb. 15, 2024, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL)
Park Ridge Public Library
20 S Prospect Ave, Park Ridge, IL 60068
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 FOR IN-PERSON HERE.
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL HERE.

Hometowns to Hollywood: Phil Harris
Sat., Feb. 17, 2024, 12pm PT (VIRTUAL)
Jack Benny Convention
Online Program via Zoom
Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek of Hometowns To Hollywood for a fascinating presentation of the Hometown of Benny cast member Phil Harris. Learn about his life, hometown, and legacy through a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. This presentation is part of the Jack Benny Convention (Feb. 16-18), hosted by the International Jack Benny Fan Club and held annually over Benny’s birthday weekend. Buy your ticket to the full three-day Jack Benny convention HERE.

Hollywood Style: Icons of Fashion
Weds., Feb. 21, 2024, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL)
Elmhurst Public Library
125 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Classic Hollywood stars and their fashions on-screen and off were influential style choices for moviegoers worldwide. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the daring wardrobe choices and revolutionary makeup innovations of the stars as well as their legacies today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories.
REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON HERE.
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL HERE.

A Night at the Oscars: Academy Awards History
Thurs., Feb. 22, 2024, 6:30pm-7:30pm CT
Cook Memorial 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.

The History of the Hollywood Musical
Sun., Feb. 25, 2024, 2pm-3pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Lisle Public Library
777 Front St, Lisle, IL 60532
While musicals have their roots on the stage, their transition to the big screen took Hollywood by storm. At the same time, it also presented many challenges for the film industry. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the history of classic Hollywood musicals, some of the top musical stars, and more. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

A Night at the Oscars: Best Picture Spotlight
Weds., Feb. 28, 2024, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Thomas Ford Memorial Library
800 Chestnut St, Western Springs, IL 60558
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.

A Night at the Oscars: Academy Awards History
Thurs., Feb. 29, 2024, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Palatine Public Library
700 N North Ct, Palatine, IL 60067
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 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.