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 Goes to the Beach
Mon., Apr. 6, 2026, 6pm-7pm ET (IN-PERSON)
New Buffalo Township Library
33 N. Thompson St, New Buffalo, MI 49117
Taking full advantage of sunny California’s climate, classic Hollywood films frequently featured beach sequences and sun-drenched stars. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores classic Hollywood stars and their ties to beach films, the beach movies’ influence on fashion, and memorable beach movie moments. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

From Stardom to Sundance: The Legacy of Robert Redford
Tues., Apr. 7, 2026, 7pm-8pm ET
Somerset County Library System of New Jersey
Free Online Program via Zoom
From his breakout role in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to his groundbreaking work as a director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, Robert Redford has left an indelible mark on American cinema. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about Redford’s evolution from Hollywood leading man to champion of independent film, highlighting his iconic performances, Academy Award–winning directorial achievements, and influence in shaping a new generation of filmmakers. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Betty White: A Lifetime of Laughter
Weds., Apr. 8, 2026, 6pm-7pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Carillon Club–Naperville
4003 Idlewild Ln., Naperville, IL 60564
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 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.

The Public Domain: Class of 2026
Tues., Apr. 14, 2026, 1pm-2:30pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Oakton Community College–Skokie Campus
7701 Lincoln Ave., Skokie, IL 60077
On January 1, 2026, a landmark moment in cultural history occurred as the works of 1930 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 Bing Crosby’s feature film debut in King of Jazz to the first screen adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front, 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 2026, where she will explore the fascinating histories and lasting legacies of a selection of films that have just become part of the public domain. PRIVATE EVENT.

Chicago in the Classics
Tues., Apr. 14, 2026, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Luther Village
1250 Village Dr., Arlington Heights, IL 60004
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 Goes to Hollywood
Weds., Apr. 15, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT (IN-PERSON)
North Shore Congregation Israel
1185 Sheridan Rd., Glencoe, IL 60022
Discover how the timeless works of William Shakespeare found new life on the silver screen during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation that explores how classic films reimagined the Bard’s plays with glamorous stars, inventive settings, and mid-century flair—proving that even in Hollywood, all the world’s a stage. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

Betty White: A Lifetime of Laughter
Thurs., Apr. 23, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT
CJE SeniorLife
Virtual Program via Zoom
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 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.

Hollywood in Bloom
Fri., Apr. 24, 2026, [11am Start; Program 1pm-2pm CT] (IN-PERSON)
Lombard Garden Club–Carlisle
435 Butterfield Rd, Lombard, IL 60148
There’s nothing quite like the beauty of nature–and classic Hollywood films surely agree. From depictions of stunning gardens and forests to flowers in bloom, classic Hollywood films have long been inspired by nature. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about the impact and symbolism of gardens, forests, and plant life in Golden Age Hollywood films. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

Dynamic Duos: Classic Comedy Partnerships
Mon., Apr. 27, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Sedgebrook
800 Audubon Way, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Whether over the airwaves or on the silver screen, the classic comedy genre benefited from many beloved comedic partnerships. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents early comedy’s top partnerships, including Abbott & Costello, Burns & Allen, Laurel & Hardy, Martin & Lewis, and more. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

Shakespeare Goes to Hollywood
Weds., Apr. 29 2026, 11am-12pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Trinity Christian College
6601 W. College Dr., Palos Heights, IL 60463
Discover how the timeless works of William Shakespeare found new life on the silver screen during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation that explores how classic films reimagined the Bard’s plays with glamorous stars, inventive settings, and mid-century flair—proving that even in Hollywood, all the world’s a stage. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

Spotlight on Biopics
Thurs., Apr. 30, 2026, 1:30pm-2:30pm ET
Bronxville Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Before “based on a true story” became a buzz phrase, Golden Age Hollywood was already perfecting the biopic. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about classic biographical films, revealing how movie stars, studio storytelling, and Hollywood glamour turned real people into cinematic icons. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

The RMS Titanic on the Silver Screen (1912-1964)
Thurs., Apr. 30, 2026, 6pm-7pm CT
Newberry Library
Online Program via Zoom
The story of the ill-fated journey of the RMS Titanic is one that is studied and memorialized all over the world. Long before audiences met Jack and Rose, numerous film studios took on portraying the story of the Titanic, sometimes featuring the survivors themselves or relying upon their narratives. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents about how Golden Age Hollywood paid homage to the Titanic‘s voyage in classic films. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. $40.50 for Newberry Members; $45 for non-members. BUY TICKETS HERE.