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:

Hollywood Style: Icons of Fashion
Thurs., Sept. 4, 2025, 1pm-2pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Vernon Area Public Library
300 Olde Half Day Rd, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Classic Hollywood stars and the fashions they wore 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 HERE.

Rita Hayworth: The Love Goddess
Tues., Sept. 9, 2025, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Cary Area Public Library
1606 Three Oaks Rd, Cary, IL 60013
Rita Hayworth is well-remembered today as one of Golden Age Hollywood’s biggest box office stars. From her early years as a dancer, becoming Hollywood’s first princess, and being realized as a box office bombshell, there is much to explore regarding Hayworth’s on and off-screen life. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about the life and legacy of Rita Hayworth. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

LatinX in Hollywood
Tues., Sept. 16, 2025, 7pm-8pm CT
Naperville Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
The films of Hollywood’s Golden Age offered depictions of Latinx individuals and often featured top Latinx studio talents. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores a selection of the studio system’s on- and off-screen Latinx talents, discussing their stories, career accomplishments, and challenges during the studio system. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

A-List Animals
Tues. Sept. 23, 2025, 4pm-5pm ET
Bronxville Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
While classic Hollywood had its fair share of human actors, many memorable animal stars also enjoyed success and the appreciation of audiences all over the world. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents about a variety of animal performers, their careers, and their legacies today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Emerald Roots: Baum, Chicago, and Road to Oz
Thurs., Sept. 25, 2025, 12:30pm-1:30pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Dickinson Hall
100 E Old Mill Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Explore the fascinating intersection of imagination, industry, and identity in the life of L. Frank Baum—author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz—and his deep ties to the city of Chicago. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation tracing Baum’s journey from a struggling writer to the creator of one of America’s most enduring fairy tales, spotlighting how the vibrant energy of turn-of-the-century Chicago helped shape the magical world of Oz. From the White City of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition to the rise of American consumerism, this program highlights the real-world roots behind Oz’s iconic yellow brick roads and emerald towers in addition to examining Baum’s legacy today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

Betty White: A Lifetime of Laughter
Thurs., Sept. 25, 2025, 7:30pm (IN-PERSON)
Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church Ladies Philoptochos Society
1401 Wagner Rd., Glenview, IL 60025
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. PRIVATE EVENT.