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:

Queer in Hollywood: LGBTQ+ Depictions in Classic Film
Mon., June 1, 2026, 2pm-3pm CT
Wilmette Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Depictions of queer individuals have occurred in films dating back to the earliest days of the filmmaking industry. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents groundbreaking portrayals of queer individuals and the impact of the Production Code on their depictions in classic cinema. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Queer in Hollywood: LGBTQ+ Depictions in Classic Film
Mon., June 1, 2026, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Helen Plum Library
411 S Main St, Lombard, IL 60148
Depictions of queer individuals have occurred in films dating back to the earliest days of the filmmaking industry. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents groundbreaking portrayals of queer individuals and the impact of the Production Code on their depictions in classic cinema. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Hitchcock: The Master of Suspense
Weds., June 3, 2026, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Brookfield Public Library
1900 N Calhoun Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005
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. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Queer in Hollywood: LGBTQ+ Depictions in Classic Film
Thurs., June 4, 2026, 6:30pm-7:30pm ET
Millbrook Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Depictions of queer individuals have occurred in films dating back to the earliest days of the filmmaking industry. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents groundbreaking portrayals of queer individuals and the impact of the Production Code on their depictions in classic cinema. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Hold That Ghost (1941) Screening
Sat., June 6, 2026, 7:30pm ET (IN-PERSON)
Ted Lewis Park
443 N. Court St., Circleville, OH 43113
In honor of Circleville’s only movie star, The Ted Lewis Museum will be screening the Universal film Hold That Ghost (1941) at the park that Lewis donated to his beloved hometown. This FREE screening is part of Ohio Goes to the Movies, a statewide celebration for America’s 250th Birthday honoring Ohio’s many contributions to film history (like Ted!). Don’t miss this classic comedy starring Abbott & Costello, The Andrews Sisters and Circleville’s First son on his 136th Birthday! Hometowns to Hollywood author and film expert Dr. Annette Bochenek will introduce the film with a special multimedia presentation. FREE ADMISSION.

From Stardom to Sundance: The Legacy of Robert Redford
Weds., June 10, 2026, 6:30pm-7:30pm ET
Orangeburg Library
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.

Queer in Hollywood: LGBTQ+ Depictions in Classic Film
Tues., June 23, 2026, 6:30pm-7:30pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Orland Park Public Library
14921 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, IL 60462
Depictions of queer individuals have occurred in films dating back to the earliest days of the filmmaking industry. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents groundbreaking portrayals of queer individuals and the impact of the Production Code on their depictions in classic cinema. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Queer in Hollywood: LGBTQ+ Depictions in Classic Film
Weds., June 24, 2026, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
West Chicago Public Library
118 W Washington St, West Chicago, IL 60185
Depictions of queer individuals have occurred in films dating back to the earliest days of the filmmaking industry. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents groundbreaking portrayals of queer individuals and the impact of the Production Code on their depictions in classic cinema. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Jimmy Stewart: Hollywood’s Everyman
Thurs., June 25, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT
CJE SeniorLife
Free Online Program via Zoom
Jimmy Stewart was one of the most honored and popular stars in Hollywood history. An actor, military officer, and family man, Stewart achieved success in many different aspects of his career. Join film historian Annette Bochenek for a presentation about Stewart’s early years in Indiana, Pennsylvania, his Hollywood and military career, and his legacy today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

Reel Independence: The Spirit of 1776 in Classic Hollywood
Thurs., June 25, 2026, 6:30pm-7:30pm CT
Cook Memorial Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
In honor of the United States’ Semiquincentennial, step back in time to the founding days of America through the lens of Golden Age Hollywood. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation on classic films set during the American Revolution, ranging from the historically faithful to the boldly romanticized. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Reel Independence: The Spirit of 1776 in Classic Hollywood
Sat., June 27, 2026, 11am-12pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Oak Brook Public Library
600 Oak Brook Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523
In honor of the United States’ Semiquincentennial, step back in time to the founding days of America through the lens of Golden Age Hollywood. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation on classic films set during the American Revolution, ranging from the historically faithful to the boldly romanticized. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Reel Independence: The Spirit of 1776 in Classic Hollywood
Mon., June 29, 2026, 7pm-8pm CT
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
In honor of the United States’ Semiquincentennial, step back in time to the founding days of America through the lens of Golden Age Hollywood. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation on classic films set during the American Revolution, ranging from the historically faithful to the boldly romanticized. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.