Dr. Jacqueline Stewart - Film Scholar, Preservationist, Author & TCM Host

Recording Our Lives is an Act of Love: How two decades of collecting Chicagoans' home movies is bringing our city together

Twenty years ago, Jacqueline Stewart founded the South Side Home Movie Project, a living testament to the resilience, creativity, and everyday beauty of the South Side in the 1950s and '60s. The scenes of graduations, birthdays, and moments of community togetherness and pride prove to all Chicagoans that what we share is greater than what divides us. Stewart points out that home movies were the forerunner to today's video selfies, which young people take for granted given the pervasiveness of social media. The Home Movie Project, however, shows that people have always had the desire to document their lives, their milestones, their communities--what they are proudest of.

More on Jacqueline Stewart

Jacqueline Stewart, a Chicago native, author, film scholar and cinema preservationist, received her undergraduate degree from Stanford University and a Doctorate in English from the University of Chicago. Her dissertation on race and silent cinema in the 1920's would ultimately lay the groundwork to further her interest in film preservation and teaching.

Jacqueline has taught at Northwestern University in Radio, Television, Film, and African American Studies and is currently a professor at the University of Chicago's department of Cinema & Media Studies. In addition to teaching, Jacqueline has authored several books including Migrating to the Movies: Cinema and Black Urban Modernity and LA Rebellion: Creating a New Black Cinema. Her writing has explored overlooked black filmmakers and the role of movie houses in African American communities.

Ms. Stewart's work as chair of The National Film Preservation Board and former director and president of The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, has broadened her platform on the importance of film preservation both in the classroom and in the media. She is currently host of “Silent Sunday Nights” on the Turner Classic Movies (TCM) network. Her role at TCM has enriched the conversation on overlooked film makers and movies from the past.

Jacqueline is also the recipient of numerous honors including a 2021 MacArthur Fellowship, and induction into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2018.

Reserve early. Reservations close Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 @ 5 pm

The Speaker Luncheon Price per Ticket is as follows:

$55 for Members**

$65 for Non-Members**

$650 - Purchase of One Table (Seating for 10 People)**

(In order to help First Friday cover increasing expenses, a processing fee will be added to the price of your ticket(s) at checkout. Thank you)

**If you wish to purchase a Membership (starting at $75), please click HERE.

When checking out, you will be asked the following (required) questions:

• Any dietary requirements
• A group or person you wish to sit with (all attendees are assigned a seat)
• A request for a hearing assistance kit

For additional information please call (312.466.9610), email ffcc@firstfridayclubchicago.org or visit our website at www.firstfridayclubchicago.org

Thank You!

LUNCHEON LOCATION:

This luncheon will be held at The Union League Club - Presidents Hall on the 2nd floor at 65 West Jackson Blvd (1/2 block east of Clark). Upon entering the ULC, coat check is mandatory on the first floor (no charge) and you will be directed to the check-in location.

THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB DRESS CODE:

The Union League Club Dress Code is Smart Casual, a relaxed, well-dressed look which may include jeans with no visible rips or tears, denim, and collared shirts. Athletic wear, tennis shoes, t-shirts or hats are not permitted.

PARKING AT THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB:

Valet Parking is available at Union League's Federal Street Entrance (Union League Club's parking fee will apply; no discount to attendees).

Discounted parking as low as $15 for All First Friday Club Attendees is available through the iParkit Phone App in the South Loop Self Park, 318 S. Federal St, Chicago (self parking in the garage on the northwest corner of Federal and Van Buren). For information on this special offer, click the following link: IPARKIT OPTION

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

The Club is just two blocks from the LaSalle Street Metra Station, six blocks from Union Metra Station and only blocks from every EL Station