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

Jacqueline Stewart, a Chicago native, author, film scholar and cinema preservationist, recieved a BA in history from Stanford and a PhD in english from the University of Chicago. Her disertation on race and silent cinema in the 1920's would ultimately lay the groundwork to further her interest in film and preservation. Earlier in her academic career, she was an assistant professor at Northwestern University in Radio/Television/Film and African American Studies and is currently a professor at the University of Chicago's department of Cinnema and Media Studies. Jacqueline has also 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.

As chair of the National Film Preservation Board and former director and president of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, Ms. Stewart has been able to continue her efforts in film preservation. She is also the current 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. Finally, Jacqueline is 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)

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 or visit our website at

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 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:

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

Info: Elevators are provided along with stairs to reach the 2nd floor venue. Coat check, located on the first floor, is required with no charge. Please note: the coat check line can be long dependent on other events taking place at the Union League Club.

Info: Three course meal is provided. When registering, please specify any dietary restrictions for you and your guests plus any seating requests. Table assignments will be listed outside the Presidents Hall. First Friday board members will also be available to assist with seating.

Info: Speaker will be introduced at 12:30pm followed by Q&A. Luncheon ends at 1:15pm.

Info: Questions will be taken from the audience during the last 10 minutes. A roving microphone will be provided. Please keep questions short and to the point.

Info: Tickets for the next month's speaker can be purchased before and after the luncheon at the welcome table, right outside the Lincoln Ballroom. Credit card and checks accepted.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher First Friday Club of Chicago