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:

Reel Independence: The Spirit of 1776 in Classic Hollywood
Thurs., Sept. 3, 2026, 1:30pm-2:30pm ET
Bronxville 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.

Bad Boys & Girls: The Characters We Love to Hate
Thurs., Sept. 17, 2026, 6pm-7pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Manhattan-Elwood Public Library–Manhattan Branch
240 Whitson St., Manhattan, IL 60442
While many classic film characters are honorable or heroic, others were certainly the opposite. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation on the stellar performances of actors who portrayed some of the not-so-nice characters in classic Hollywood cinema—the characters who audiences loved to hate. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Reel Independence: The Spirit of 1776 in Classic Hollywood
Thurs., Sept. 24, 2026, 11am-12pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Park Forest Public Library
400 Lakewood Blvd, Park Forest, IL 60466
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.