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:

Elizabeth Taylor: Actress and Activist
Thurs., April 10, 2025, 1pm-2pm CT
CJE SeniorLife
Online Program via Zoom
Elizabeth Taylor is known as one of the most beautiful and talented actresses in Hollywood history. From her early days as a child actress to becoming a confident woman in the industry, Taylor remains an iconic talent to this day. Join film historian Annette Bochenek for a presentation about Taylor’s early days in England, her time in Hollywood, and her legacy today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

Hamilton East Public Library Local Authors Fair
Sat., April 12, 2025, 1pm-4pm ET (IN-PERSON)
FORUM Events Center
11313 USA Pkwy, Fishers, IN 46037
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 Hamilton County area. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. LEARN MORE HERE.

Lucille Ball: Queen of Comedy
Tues., April 15, 2025, 6pm-7pm CT
Newberry Library
Online Program via Zoom
Lucille Ball is celebrated as one of classic television’s top comediennes. In addition to a career spanning from radio, television, and film, Ball also possessed a strong business acumen that impacted classic television. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a special “Hometowns to Hollywood” tribute to Lucille Ball, as she discusses her career, legacy, and early years in a multimedia presentation. This program costs $47 for Newberry members/seniors/students and $53 for non-members. REGISTER HERE.

Elizabeth Taylor: Actress and Activist
Thurs., April 17, 2025, 1pm-2pm CT
Rochester Community and Technical College
Online Program via Zoom
Elizabeth Taylor is known as one of the most beautiful and talented actresses in Hollywood history. From her early days as a child actress to becoming a confident woman in the industry, Taylor remains an iconic talent to this day. Join film historian Annette Bochenek for a presentation about Taylor’s early days in England, her time in Hollywood, and her legacy today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

Backwards in Heels: The Legacy of Ginger Rogers
Tues., April 22, 2025, 9am-10am CT (IN-PERSON)
Patty Turner Center
375 Elm St, Deerfield, IL 60015
While Ginger Rogers is easily considered to be one-half of the most iconic dancing duo in cinematic history, she achieved so much in her on- and off-screen life. She danced her way through many beloved films while also challenging herself with other performance styles and on-screen innovations. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about Rogers’s early years in Missouri, Hollywood career, and legacy today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

A Night to Remember: The RMS Titanic on Screen
Tues., April 22, 2025, 4pm-5pm ET
Bronxville Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
The story of the ill-fated journey of the RMS Titanic is studied and memorialized all over the world. 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. REGISTER HERE.

Wheaton Local Author Fest
Sat., April 26, 2025, 1pm-4pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Wheaton Public Library
225 N Cross St, Wheaton, IL 60187
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 Wheaton area. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. LEARN MORE HERE.

How’d They Do That?!
Weds. April 30, 2025, 2pm-3pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Lincolnwood Place
7000 N McCormick Blvd, Lincolnwood, IL 60712
Classic Hollywood has achieved a wide variety of iconic scenes that simply take one’s breath away. Movie characters have parted the Red Sea, dodged crop dusters, scaled skyscrapers, and more, leaving audiences wondering, “How’d they do that?!” Join Film Historian Annette Bochenek for a presentation about how some of classic Hollywood’s most memorable movie scenes were developed, approached, and accomplished. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.