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 Valentine: Married at the Movies
Tues., Feb. 3, 2026, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Poplar Creek Public Library
1405 S Park Ave, Streamwood, IL 60107
Love is in the air in classic Hollywood! Many beloved Hollywood classics featured wedding scenes across a broad range of film genres. In real life, many film stars also happened to have high-profile and eagerly anticipated weddings. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents memorable classic film wedding moments, both on the screen and off. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Elizabeth Taylor: Actress and Activist
Mon., Feb. 9, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Willowbrook Community Resource Center
825 Midway Dr, Willowbrook, IL 60527
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.

You’ve Got Rom-Coms!
Mon., Feb. 9, 2026, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Fremont Public Library
1170 N Midlothian Rd., Mundelein, IL 60060
Before text messages and meet-cutes in coffee shops, Hollywood perfected the art of falling in love on screen. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation that takes a delightful look at how romantic comedies evolved during the Golden Age—from the screwball antics of the 1930s to the sophisticated charm of the 1950s. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Hollywood Valentine: Married at the Movies
Tues., Feb. 10, 2026, 2pm-3pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Park Ridge Public Library
20 S. Prospect Ave, Park Ridge, IL 60068
Love is in the air in classic Hollywood! Many beloved Hollywood classics featured wedding scenes across a broad range of film genres. In real life, many film stars also happened to have high-profile and eagerly anticipated weddings. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents memorable classic film wedding moments, both on the screen and off. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Shakespeare and Stardust: The Romance of Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier
Weds., Feb. 11, 2026, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Cary Area Public Library
1606 Three Oaks Rd, Cary, IL 60013
Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier were two of the most iconic figures in the history of theatre and film. From their first meeting to their rise as Hollywood royalty, this presentation explores how their partnership charmed audiences worldwide. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about their legendary performances, turbulent romance, and legacies today. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Chicago in the Classics
Tues., Feb. 17, 2026, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Chestnut Square at the Glen
2601 Chestnut Ave, Glenview, IL 60026
The Windy City has long been the backdrop to classic films, either as a setting depicted in a film or actually being portrayed through on-location productions. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a discussion about classic films set in Chicago, the locations portrayed, and the influence of these depictions today. This program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

Shakespeare and Stardust: The Romance of Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier
Thurs., Feb. 19, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT (IN PERSON)
Naperville Public Library–95th St Library
3015 Cedar Glade Dr., Naperville, IL 60564
Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier were two of the most iconic figures in the history of theatre and film. From their first meeting to their rise as Hollywood royalty, this presentation explores how their partnership charmed audiences worldwide. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about their legendary performances, turbulent romance, and legacies today. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Based on the Book: From Page to Picture (Part II)
Thurs., Feb. 19, 2026, 7pm-8pm CT
Glencoe Public 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. REGISTER HERE.

Hollywood Valentine: Married at the Movies
Fri., Feb. 20, 2026, 1:30pm-2:30pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Covenant Living at Windsor Park
124 Windsor Park Dr., Carol Stream, IL 60188
Love is in the air in classic Hollywood! Many beloved Hollywood classics featured wedding scenes across a broad range of film genres. In real life, many film stars also happened to have high-profile and eagerly anticipated weddings. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents memorable classic film wedding moments, both on the screen and off. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

Tinseltown Touchdown: Football in Film
Mon., Feb. 23, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Prospect Heights Public Library
12 N Elm St., Prospect Heights, IL 60070
From featuring small-town underdogs to campus heroes, football-centric films have long served as a backdrop for character growth and cultural commentary in classic Hollywood films. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about how the sport was portrayed during the Golden Age of Hollywood across film genres. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Hollywood Valentine: Married at the Movies
Mon., Feb. 23, 2026, 6:30pm-7:30pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Chicago Ridge Public Library
10400 Oxford Ave, Chicago Ridge, IL 60415
Love is in the air in classic Hollywood! Many beloved Hollywood classics featured wedding scenes across a broad range of film genres. In real life, many film stars also happened to have high-profile and eagerly anticipated weddings. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents memorable classic film wedding moments, both on the screen and off. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Celluloid Road Trip: U.S. Edition
Tues., Feb. 24, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Oakton Community College–Skokie Campus
7701 Lincoln Ave., Skokie, IL 60077
Classic films continue to allow audiences to travel across the map through the magic of the silver screen. While movie studios often took advantage of their backlots to portray different locations, some studios took on the challenges of having their talents travel to destinations across the U.S. for on-location shoots. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about various classic films shot on location in the U.S., memorable achievements, and the legacies of these films today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

A Night at the Oscars: Academy Awards History
Weds., Feb. 25, 2026, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
White Oak Library–Lockport Branch
121 E 8th St, Lockport, IL 60441
It’s time to get red carpet-ready! Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the history of the Academy Awards and some of its memorable moments, while also showcasing previous Best Picture winners and this year’s Best Picture nominees. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Jack Benny: An Illinois Original
Sat., Feb. 28, 2026, 3-4pm CT (IN-PERSON)
DeKalb Public Library
309 Oak St, DeKalb, IL 60115
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 upon 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. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.