The concept of Third Places was first coined by a sociologist named Ray Oldenburg in the 1980s. Oldenburg defined Third Places as:

“…familiar, informal spaces where individuals gather voluntarily to spend time and connect with their community; it is distinct from the home (first place) or school/workplace (second place). Common examples of third places include libraries, cafes, parks, and community centers, but also includes commercial establishments such as salons and barbershops, religious organizations such as churches and mosques, social service agencies, and creative, entertainment, and artistic venues such as arcades and art galleries."

However, times have changed over the 50 years since Oldenburg first defined the term. Click here to read about the steady disappearance and erosion of Third Places in American society.