January Presentations

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:

Backwards in Heels: The Legacy of Ginger Rogers
Mon., Jan. 19, 2026, 7pm-8pm CT
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom

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. REGISTER HERE.

Judy Garland: A Star for the Ages
Thurs., Jan. 22, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT
CJE SeniorLife
Online Program via Zoom

Judy Garland is known as one of the most popular singers of her day. From her early days as a child actress to becoming an iconic star, Garland remains a beloved talent to this day. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about Garland’s early years in Minnesota, her time in Hollywood, and her legacy today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories.

Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales in Film
Tues., Jan. 27, 2026, 4pm-5pm ET
Bronxville Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom

Once upon a time, several classic Hollywood films were inspired by fairy tales and folklore. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents about some of classic Hollywood’s takes on beloved fairy tales, including how Hollywood studios brought them to life or reimagined them, and the legacies of these tales today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

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About Annette Bochenek

Dr. Annette Bochenek of Chicago, Illinois, is an avid scholar of Hollywood’s Golden Age. She manages the Hometowns to Hollywood blog, in which she writes about her trips exploring the legacies and hometowns of Golden Age stars. Annette also hosts the “Hometowns to Hollywood” film series throughout the Chicago area. She has been featured on Turner Classic Movies and is the president of TCM Backlot’s Chicago chapter. In addition to writing for TCM Backlot, she also writes for Classic Movie Hub, Silent Film Quarterly, Nostalgia Digest, and Chicago Art Deco Society Magazine.
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