Kristin Hunt

Kristin Hunt is a senior staff writer for PhillyVoice. A history and pop culture junkie, she spends her spare time stalking the Free Library shelves and binge watching TCM. She has previously contributed to Vulture, GQ, Mental Floss, JSTOR Daily, and The Washington Post.

kristin@phillyvoice.com

January 27, 2025

Arts & Culture

Benjamin Franklin bust, believed to be earliest sculpture of the famous Philadelphian, heads to auction

by Kristin Hunt

The earliest known sculpture of Benjamin Franklin is heading to auction at Christie's on Friday, Feb. 7. By the artist John Michael Rysbrack, the bust dates back to the 18th century and once belonged to Pennsylvania artist Benjamin West.

January 24, 2025

Arts & Culture

This Philly-based artist has been typing letters to the president for 21 years

by Kristin Hunt

Sheryl Oring, a Philly-based artist, has taken her vintage typewriter to the streets and asked passersby to send a letter to the president since 2004. She says she has transcribed well over 5,000 messages from Americans across 30 states. 'Secretary to the People,' an exhibit of the messages, will be at the Parkway Central Library for the first 100 days of the second Trump administration.

January 23, 2025

Movies

Colman Domingo nabs second Oscar nod; 'Brutalist,' a postwar film set in Doylestown, earns 10 nominations

by Kristin Hunt

Colman Domingo has earned his second Oscar nomination for best actor for his role in 'Sing Sing.' The West Philly native was nominated in 2024 for 'Rustin.' 'The Brutalist,' set in postwar Doylestown, also nabbed 10 nominations. The Academy Awards will be broadcast Sunday, March 2 on ABC.

January 23, 2025

Donations

Eagles fans and local bakers spearhead fundraisers to support wildfire victims in Los Angeles

by Kristin Hunt

How can people in Philadelphia support the victims of L.A. wildfires? Donate to an Eagles fans GoFundMe, attend a Beatles tribute concert, buy a cookie box from city bakers or hit happy hour at Jansen or Wilder.

January 23, 2025

Weekend

Lunar New Year, 'DWTS' Live and a tattoo festival: Your weekend guide to things to do

by Kristin Hunt

Meet an ink master at the Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Festival or celebrate Lunar New Year at the Penn Museum this weekend. Dancing With the Stars Live also stops at The Met with Joey Graziadei and Stephen Nedoroscik.

January 22, 2025

Government

At Philly's 'Trump preparedness' hearing, immigration advocates push for greater protections

by Kristin Hunt

Philadelphia immigration groups are calling for stronger protections against the Trump administration, including policies to prevent ICE from entering schools. The city already declines detainer requests.

January 21, 2025

Shopping

Mayor Cherelle Parker's flubbed Eagles chant spawns T-shirt by Phillygoat

by Kristin Hunt

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker led a misspelled Eagles chant Sunday before the team's playoff game against the L.A. Rams. The sports clothing company Phillygoat has commemorated the gaffe with an 'E-L-G-S-E-S' T-shirt.

January 21, 2025

Performances

Bacon Brothers to play hometown show at Rivers Casino in February

by Kristin Hunt

The Bacon Brothers, comprised of actor Kevin and composer Michael, will play the Rivers Casino in Fishtown on Saturday, Feb. 22. The band has released 12 albums and singles like 'Philly Thing.'

January 20, 2025

History

Sculptor who was the first Black woman to receive a national art commission was 'a voice of her time'

by Kristin Hunt

Sculptor Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller was a pioneer of the Harlem Renaissance. She studied under Auguste Rodin and created protest art after the lynching of Mary Turner. The African American Museum in Philadelphia has two of her pieces.

January 20, 2025

History

Birmingham jail bench where MLK wrote famous letter to be displayed in Philly

by Kristin Hunt

The bench that Martin Luther King Jr. used to write 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' will be displayed in Philadelphia as part of an exhibit on the Declaration of Independence at the Museum of the American Revolution throughout 2026.