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:

Movie Melodies: The Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein
Sat., Aug. 2, 2025, 2pm-3pm CT (IN-PERSON)
White Oak Library–Lockport Branch
121 E 8th St, Lockport, IL 60441
Many beloved classic Hollywood musicals were brought to life by the musical talents of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents about Rodgers and Hammerstein’s influence on classic films, some of their most popular songs represented in films, and their legacies today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Esther Williams: Mermaid of the Movies
Sun., Aug. 3, 2025, 2pm-3pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Chicago Public Library–Dunning Branch
7455 W Cornelia Ave, Chicago, IL 60634
Dive into the dazzling life and legacy of Esther Williams, the iconic “Million Dollar Mermaid” who made waves in Hollywood’s Golden Age. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about Williams’ life, athletic accomplishments, film career, and legacy. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

How’d They Do That?!
Tues., Aug. 5, 2025, 10am-11am ET
REAP–Great Neck
Online Program via Zoom
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.

Hitchcock: The Master of Suspense
Thurs., Aug. 7, 2025, 2pm-3pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Lincolnwood Place
7000 N McCormick Blvd, Lincolnwood, IL 60712
Indulge in the thrilling side of classic Hollywood by learning about the “Master of Suspense” himself–Alfred Hitchcock! Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a discussion about Hitchcock’s career, his memorable films, and his legacy today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

Based on the Book: From Page to Picture (Part I)
Thurs., Aug. 7, 2025, 6pm-7pm CT
Newberry Library
Virtual Program 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. This program costs $47 for Newberry members/seniors/students and $53 for non-members. REGISTER HERE.

That’s All, Folks!
Thurs., Aug. 14, 2025, 7pm-8pm CT
Prospect Heights Public Library
Free online program via Zoom
While moviegoers had many favorite actors and actresses, they also enjoyed a wide variety of hand-drawn, animated stars! Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores the history of animation, including the work of top animation studios and beloved animated characters. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

The Public Domain: Class of 2025
Fri., Aug. 15, 2025, 7pm-8pm ET
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
Virtual Program via Zoom
On January 1, 2025, a landmark moment in cultural history occurred as the works of 1929 officially entered the public domain. This includes a rich array of books, films, songs, and art from the 1920s, opening the door to a treasure trove of creative content now freely available to explore, share, and build upon. From Mickey Mouse speaking his first words to the Marx Brothers in their feature film debut, this is a pivotal moment for both film enthusiasts and creators alike. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for an insightful presentation on the Public Domain Class of 2025, where she will explore the fascinating histories and lasting legacies of a selection of films that have just become part of the public domain. REGISTER HERE.

Jimmy Stewart: Hollywood’s Everyman
Mon., Aug. 18, 2025, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Elmhurst Public Library
125 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Jimmy Stewart was one of the most honored and popular stars in Hollywood history. An actor, military officer, and family man, Stewart achieved success in many different aspects of his career. Join film historian Annette Bochenek for a presentation about Stewart’s early years in Indiana, Pennsylvania, his Hollywood and military career, and his legacy today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

The History of the Hollywood Musical
Tues., Aug. 19, 2025, 7pm-8pm CT
Mid-Continent Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
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.

Movie Melodies: The Music of Irving Berlin
Thurs., Aug. 28, 2025, 1pm-2pm CT
CJE SeniorLife
Online Program via Zoom
Many beloved classic Hollywood films were made all the more memorable by the musical talents of American songwriter and composer Irving Berlin. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents about the influence of Irving Berlin in classic film, some of his most popular songs represented in film, and his legacy today. 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 date of the presentation. PRIVATE EVENT.