Washington Square has served different purposes over time. Commissioned in 1682 as Southeast Square, it was a burial ground for more than 2,500 Revolutionary War troops and later for African-American victims of yellow fever; it now includes the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier, according to WHYY.
About 20 women met in Washington Square for a gathering the Inquirer identified as taking place Oct. 3. Attendees later created a group chat, the outlet reported.
The gathering followed a TikTok post Kwiecien made about crying in Old City. People responding to the post described similar experiences, and Kwiecien invited them to meet in the park.
The meeting took place amid broader concerns about social connection. In a May 2023 advisory, the U.S. Surgeon General described loneliness as a public-health epidemic and reported that roughly half of U.S. adults experience it, with young adults among the groups most affected, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Finding activities beyond a one-time meetup
For residents looking for other ways to take part in activities around the city, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation lists leagues and recreation-center activities among its offerings, according to Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.
A recurring library option
Residents can use the Free Library of Philadelphia calendar to find programs; it lists a Tuesday chess club at Parkway Central Library from 4 to 7 p.m., with chess sets available for use, according to the Free Library of Philadelphia.
