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 Irish in Hollywood
Mon., Mar. 3, 2025, 4pm-5pm ET
Syosset Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Ring in St. Patrick’s Day with “The Irish in Hollywood!” The films of Hollywood’s Golden Age offered many depictions and talents from Ireland. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores a selection of the studio system’s top stars and classic films that paid tribute to Ireland. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

The Women Who Built Hollywood
Tues., Mar. 4, 2025, 6pm-7pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Three Rivers Public Library–Minooka Branch
109 N Wabena Avenue, Minooka, IL 60447
Women have been highly influential in the film industry ever since the Silent Era, both on-screen and off. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about the lives and legacies of some of classic Hollywood’s incredible female directors and stars who possessed a keen sense of business acumen and innovation during the early days of the film industry. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Schaumburg Library Local Author Fair
Sat., Mar. 8, 2025, 12pm-3pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Schaumburg Township District Library
130 S Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193
Dr. Bochenek will be selling and signing copies of Hometowns to Hollywood: Volume I & II. Come say hello and explore the works of numerous other authors local to the Schaumburg area. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

The Irish in Hollywood
Mon., Mar. 10, 2025, 1pm-2pm CT
Rochester Community and Technical College
Online Program via Zoom
Ring in St. Patrick’s Day with “The Irish in Hollywood!” The films of Hollywood’s Golden Age offered many depictions and talents from Ireland. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores a selection of the studio system’s top stars and classic films that paid tribute to Ireland. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

The Women Who Built Hollywood
Weds., Mar. 12, 2025, 7pm-8pm CT
Mid-Continent Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Women have been highly influential in the film industry ever since the Silent Era, both on-screen and off. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about the lives and legacies of some of classic Hollywood’s incredible female directors and stars who possessed a keen sense of business acumen and innovation during the early days of the film industry. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Based on the Book: From Page to Picture
Thurs., Mar. 13, 2025, 1pm-2pm CT
CJE SeniorLife
OnlineProgram via Zoom
Many classic films were inspired by books, with movie studios putting their own “Hollywood touch” on the story. What compelled studios to create these films and make changes? Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents about classic films based upon books as well as a discussion of comparisons between the text and film. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

Chicago in the Classics
Mon., Mar. 17, 2025, 2pm-3pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Oakton Community College–Skokie Campus
7701 Lincoln Ave, Skokie, IL 60077
The Windy City has long been the backdrop to classic films, either as a setting depicted in a film or actually being portrayed through on-location productions. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a discussion about classic films set in Chicago, the locations portrayed, and the influence of these depictions today. This program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

The Hollywood Canteen
Mon., Mar. 17, 2024, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Flagg Creek Heritage Society
Pleasantdale Park District, 7425 S. Wolf Rd., Burr Ridge, IL 60527
During World War II, Hollywood went to war alongside America. Many Golden Age films were released to boost morale on the homefront, while the stars themselves traveled to entertain soldiers firsthand. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette. Bochenek for a special presentation about Golden Age Hollywood’s unique approach to entertaining servicemen during World War II. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

The History of the Hollywood Musical
Tues., Mar. 18, 2025, 1pm-2pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Oakton Community College–Skokie Campus
7701 Lincoln Ave, Skokie, IL 60077
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. PRIVATE EVENT.

The Irish in Hollywood
Tues., Mar. 18, 2025, 7pm-8pm ET
Baltimore County Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Ring in St. Patrick’s Day with “The Irish in Hollywood!” The films of Hollywood’s Golden Age offered many depictions and talents from Ireland. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores a selection of the studio system’s top stars and classic films that paid tribute to Ireland. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Chicago in the Classics
Weds., Mar. 19, 2025, 1:30pm-2:30pm CT (IN-PERSON)
KAM Isaiah Israel Congregation
5039 S Greenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
The Windy City has long been the backdrop to classic films, either as a setting depicted in a film or actually being portrayed through on-location productions. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a discussion about classic films set in Chicago, the locations portrayed, and the influence of these depictions today. This program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

Betty White: A Lifetime of Laughter
Thurs., Mar. 20, 2025, 1pm-2pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Naperville Public Library–95th Street Library
3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564
An actress and activist, comedian Betty White was a woman of many achievements both on and off the screen. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for this special birthday presentation about the early years, career highlights, and legacy of Betty White. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Chicago: The First Hollywood
Tues., Mar. 25, 2025, 6pm-7pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Bridgeview Public Library
7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455
Before the film industry moved West, it was firmly rooted in Chicago. Its key players included Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson, “Broncho Billy” Anderson, and many more. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about the film industry’s early days in Chicago, as she discusses former silent film studios in Chicago, film stars who worked in Chicago, and the legacies of these studios and stars today. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Ladies of Laughter: Great Comediennes
Mon., Mar. 31, 2025, 7pm-8pm ET
Bernards Township Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
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. The registration link will be made available closer to the presentation date.