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:
Stars and Cars: Classic Hollywood’s Love Affair with Auburns, Cords & Duesenbergs
Sat., Oct. 3, 2026, 11am-12pm ET (IN-PERSON)
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum
1600 Wayne St, Auburn, IN 46706
Step back into the Golden Age of Hollywood, where glamour was not confined to the silver screen—it cruised down Sunset Boulevard in gleaming chrome and handcrafted elegance. From the suave charm of Clark Gable to the refined style of Marlene Dietrich, discover how these classic cars became symbols of status, taste, and cinematic legacy, connecting vintage Hollywood to American automotive artistry. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation exploring the enduring allure of Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg automobiles and the iconic stars who owned them. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. Free with museum admission. MORE INFO HERE.
The Women Who Built Hollywood
Weds., Oct. 7, 2026, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
AAUW–Elmhurst | Hosted at Elmhurst Public Library
125 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Women have been highly influential in the film industry ever since the Silent Era, both on-screen and off. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about the lives and legacies of some of classic Hollywood’s incredible female directors and stars who possessed a keen sense of business acumen and innovation during the early days of the film industry. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.
A Hollywood Halloween
Mon., Oct. 12, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Oakton Community College–Skokie Campus
7701 Lincoln Ave, Skokie, IL 60077
Creep into the spooky side of classic Hollywood! From beloved classic horror films to lesser-known gems, explore the variety of classic horror films and characters as well as how the genre was developed to entertain audiences of all ages. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the production of impactful classic horror films, notable stars of the genre, and the legacy of these films and stars today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.
LatinX in Hollywood
Mon., Oct. 12, 2026, 6pm-7pm CT (IN-PERSON)
St. Charles Public Library
1 S 6th Ave, St. Charles, IL 60174
The films of Hollywood’s Golden Age offered depictions of Latinx individuals and often featured top Latinx studio talents. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores a selection of the studio system’s on- and off-screen Latinx talents, discussing their stories, career accomplishments, and challenges during the studio system. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.
You’ve Got Rom-Coms!
Tues., Oct. 13, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Oakton Community College–Skokie Campus
7701 Lincoln Ave, Skokie, IL 60077
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. PRIVATE EVENT.
On-Screen Specters: Ghosts in Film
Weds., Oct. 14, 2026, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Luther Village
1250 Village Dr, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Classic Hollywood has incorporated depictions of ghosts across a wide array of film genres, including horror, romance, and comedy–just to name a few. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores various depictions of ghosts in classic cinema, the technologies used to create these illusions, and their connections to more contemporary films. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.
Hitchcock: The Master of Suspense
Thurs., Oct. 15, 2026, 6pm-7pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Worth Public Library
6917 W 111th St., Worth, IL 60482
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. CALL 708-448-2855 TO REGISTER.
Reel Independence: The Spirit of 1776 in Classic Hollywood
Mon., Oct. 19, 2026, 1:30pm-2:30pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Encore Village of Schaumburg
350 W Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194
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. PRIVATE EVENT.
That’s All, Folks!
Mon., Oct. 26, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Sedgebrook
800 Audubon Way, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
While moviegoers had many favorite actors and actresses, they also enjoyed a wide variety of hand-drawn, animated stars! Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores the history of animation, including the work of top animation studios, and beloved animated characters. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.
Shakespeare Goes to Hollywood
Tues., Oct. 27, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT
CJE SeniorLife
Free Online Program via Zoom
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.
On-Screen Specters: Ghosts in Film
Weds., Oct. 28, 2026, 7pm-8pm CT
Fountaindale Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Classic Hollywood has incorporated depictions of ghosts across a wide array of film genres, including horror, romance, and comedy–just to name a few. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores various depictions of ghosts in classic cinema, the technologies used to create these illusions, and their connections to more contemporary films. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.
On-Screen Specters: Ghosts in Film
Thurs., Oct. 29, 2026, 10am-11am CT (IN-PERSON)
The Little Traveler | Hosted at the Geneva History Museum
113 S 3rd St, Geneva, IL 60134
Classic Hollywood has incorporated depictions of ghosts across a wide array of film genres, including horror, romance, and comedy–just to name a few. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores various depictions of ghosts in classic cinema, the technologies used to create these illusions, and their connections to more contemporary films. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. Tickets cost $25 per person. BUY TICKETS HERE.
