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:

On-Screen Specters: Ghosts in Film
Weds., Oct. 1, 2025, 1:30pm-2:30pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Will County Farm Bureau
100 Manhattan Rd # 1, Joliet, IL 60433
Classic Hollywood has incorporated depictions of ghosts across a wide array of film genres, including horror, romance, and comedy–just to name a few. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores various depictions of ghosts in classic cinema, the technologies used to create these illusions, and their connections to more contemporary films. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

Gimme a Gimmick!: The Films of William Castle
Weds., Oct. 1, 2025, 6pm-7pm CT (IN-PERSON)
St. Charles Public Library
1 S 6th Ave., St. Charles, IL 60174
Step right up for a wild ride through the outrageous, spine-tingling world of William Castle, the undisputed master of the movie gimmick! Known for electrifying audiences with vibrating seats, floating skeletons, and fright insurance policies, Castle turned B-movies into unforgettable cinematic spectacles. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation that explores Castle’s inventive showmanship, his most iconic films—including House on Haunted Hill, The Tingler, and 13 Ghosts—and how his over-the-top promotional tactics made him a cult legend. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. A screening of 13 Ghosts (1960) will follow the presentation. REGISTER HERE.

The Evolution of Oz
Thurs., Oct. 2, 2025, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Glenview Public Library
1930 Glenview Rd., Glenview, IL 60025
Long before Judy Garland famously clicked her heels in MGM’s 1939 classic, The Wizard of Oz had already captured the imagination of audiences through a series of earlier productions. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation that explores the rich and often overlooked history of The Wizard of Oz before its most iconic film adaptation. From L. Frank Baum’s original 1900 novel to the groundbreaking 1902 stage musical and the silent film adaptations of the 1910s and 1920s, we’ll examine how this beloved tale evolved through different media and interpretations. Join us as we uncover the creative choices, cultural contexts, and theatrical innovations that laid the foundation for one of the most enduring stories in American pop culture. REGISTER HERE.

Hitchcock: The Master of Suspense
Fri., Oct. 3, 2025, 1pm-2pm CT (HYBRID; Presenter is virtual)
Des Plaines History Center
Hosted at Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines, IL 60016
Online Zoom option also available.
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.  
REGISTER HERE FOR IN-PERSON.
JOIN HERE AT PROGRAM START FOR VIRTUAL OPTION.

Making of a Classic: The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Fri., Oct. 3, 6pm-7pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Prairie Creek Public Library
501 Carriage House Ln., Dwight, IL 60420
Step behind the curtain and discover the magic behind the creation of one of cinema’s most beloved films. This program showcases how a groundbreaking mix of imagination, innovation, and perseverance brought the Land of Oz to life—and why the 1939 classic film continues to enchant audiences more than 80 years later. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a discussion about the production, legacy, and cultural impact of The Wizard of Oz (1939) through a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Hitchcock: The Master of Suspense
Mon., Oct. 6, 2025, 7pm-8pm CT
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
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. REGISTER HERE.

Tinted Tales: Coloring the Silver Screen
Tues., Oct. 7, 2025, 6:30pm-7:30pm CT
Mid-Continent Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Experimenting with color fascinated filmmakers since the days of early cinema, from tinting to Technicolor. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents about the many techniques and innovations used to bring color to the big screen as well as groundbreaking moments in the use of color on film. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Making of a Classic: The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Fri., Oct. 10, 1pm-2pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Lake Villa District Library
140 N. Munn Rd., Lindenhurst, IL 60046
Step behind the curtain and discover the magic behind the creation of one of cinema’s most beloved films. This program showcases how a groundbreaking mix of imagination, innovation, and perseverance brought the Land of Oz to life—and why the 1939 classic film continues to enchant audiences more than 80 years later. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a discussion about the production, legacy, and cultural impact of The Wizard of Oz (1939) through a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

The Roaring Twenties: From Silents to Sound
Sun., Oct. 12, 2025, 2pm-3pm CT (IN-PERSON)
River Forest Public Library
735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest, IL 60305
The 1920s were a great period of transition for the United States and the filmmaking industry. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the early film industry of the 1920s, some of its top stars, technological innovations, and influential films. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Jack Benny: An Illinois Original
Mon., Oct. 13, 2025, 1pm-2:30pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Oakton Community College–Skokie Campus
7701 Lincoln Ave, Skokie, IL 60077
Jack Benny is regarded as one of the top comedians in American history, shining in vaudeville, radio, television, and film, while making a huge impact on the sitcom genre. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a special “Hometowns to Hollywood” tribute to Jack Benny, as she discusses his career, legacy, and early years in Waukegan, IL, in a multimedia presentation. PRIVATE EVENT.

Hitchcock: The Master of Suspense
Mon., Oct. 13, 2025, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Flagg Creek Heritage Society
7425 S Wolf Rd, Burr Ridge, IL 60527
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.

The Evolution of Oz
Tues., Oct. 14, 2025, 7pm-8pm ET
Somerset County Library System of New Jersey
Free Online Program via Zoom
Long before Judy Garland famously clicked her heels in MGM’s 1939 classic, The Wizard of Oz had already captured the imagination of audiences through a series of earlier productions. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation that explores the rich and often overlooked history of The Wizard of Oz before its most iconic film adaptation. From L. Frank Baum’s original 1900 novel to the groundbreaking 1902 stage musical and the silent film adaptations of the 1910s and 1920s, we’ll examine how this beloved tale evolved through different media and interpretations. Join us as we uncover the creative choices, cultural contexts, and theatrical innovations that laid the foundation for one of the most enduring stories in American pop culture. REGISTER HERE.

A Hollywood Halloween
Tues., Oct. 21, 2025, 2:30pm-3:30pm ET (IN-PERSON)
University Place
1700 Lindberg Rd, West Lafayette, IN 47906
Creep into the spooky side of classic Hollywood! From beloved classic horror films to lesser-known gems, explore the variety of classic horror films and characters as well as how the genre was developed to entertain audiences of all ages. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the production of impactful classic horror films, notable stars of the genre, and the legacy of these films and stars today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

On-Screen Specters: Ghosts in Film
Thurs., Oct. 23, 2025, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Eisenhower Public Library
4613 N Oketo Ave, Harwood Heights, IL 60706
Classic Hollywood has incorporated depictions of ghosts across a wide array of film genres, including horror, romance, and comedy–just to name a few. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores various depictions of ghosts in classic cinema, the technologies used to create these illusions, and their connections to more contemporary films. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Movie Melodies: The Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein
Tues., Oct. 28, 2025, 1pm-2pm CT
CJE SeniorLife
Online Program via Zoom
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. PRIVATE EVENT.

A Hollywood Halloween
Tues., Oct. 28, 2025, 6:30pm-7:30pm CT
Cook Memorial Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Creep into the spooky side of classic Hollywood! From beloved classic horror films to lesser-known gems, explore the variety of classic horror films and characters as well as how the genre was developed to entertain audiences of all ages. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the production of impactful classic horror films, notable stars of the genre, and the legacy of these films and stars today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

A Hollywood Halloween
Thurs., Oct. 30, 2025, 1:30pm-2:30pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Luther Village
1250 Village Dr., Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Creep into the spooky side of classic Hollywood! From beloved classic horror films to lesser-known gems, explore the variety of classic horror films and characters as well as how the genre was developed to entertain audiences of all ages. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the production of impactful classic horror films, notable stars of the genre, and the legacy of these films and stars today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

A Hollywood Halloween
Thurs., Oct. 30, 2025, 7pm-8pm ET
Bernards Township Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Creep into the spooky side of classic Hollywood! From beloved classic horror films to lesser-known gems, explore the variety of classic horror films and characters as well as how the genre was developed to entertain audiences of all ages. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the production of impactful classic horror films, notable stars of the genre, and the legacy of these films and stars today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.