Skull and Bones

Skull and Bones. It is a senior society founded in 1832 at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. The organization is one of the oldest and most famous of the Yale secret societies, known for its selective membership and influential alumni. Its iconic meeting hall, the Tomb, is a windowless Greek Revival building on the university's campus.

History

The society was established in 1832 by William Huntington Russell and Alphonso Taft, reportedly as a chapter of a German student organization. Its founding occurred during a period of growing interest in secret societies and collegiate fraternities in the United States. For much of its early history, it operated with considerable secrecy, with its activities and membership list closely guarded. The construction of its first permanent hall, known as the Tomb, in 1856 solidified its physical presence on the Yale University campus. Throughout the 19th century and into the 20th century, it became a fixture of the university's social landscape, alongside other societies like Scroll and Key and Wolf's Head.

Membership and activities

Each year, the society selects fifteen Yale University seniors for membership, a tradition known as "tapping." Historically, the membership was drawn almost exclusively from wealthy, white, Protestant families from the Eastern United States, particularly the New England elite. Notable members have included William Howard Taft, Henry Stimson, Prescott Bush, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, and John Kerry. The society's activities are shrouded in ritual and secrecy, with initiates reportedly participating in ceremonies within the Tomb. A central feature of its lore involves members confessing their life histories and sexual experiences to one another, fostering intense bonds. The organization also maintains a network of alumni, known as "patriarchs," who provide support and connection.

Influence and controversies

The organization has been the subject of significant scrutiny and conspiracy theories due to the prominence of its members in American power structures. Its alumni have held positions including President of the United States, Supreme Court Justice, CIA Director, and influential cabinet posts such as Secretary of State and Secretary of War. Critics have alleged it functions as an incubator for the American Establishment and a conduit for Wall Street influence. Controversies have included the alleged possession of the stolen skull of Geronimo and its role in the Business Plot of 1933. Its secretive nature and the interconnected careers of its members have fueled speculation about its role in events like the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the JFK assassination.

In popular culture

The society's mystique has made it a frequent subject in films, television, and literature. It was prominently featured in the 2000 film The Skulls, which depicted a fictionalized version of its rituals and power. References and parodies appear in television series such as The Simpsons, Gilmore Girls, and *Bones*. It is a central plot element in novels like The Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol. The organization is also mentioned in episodes of Saturday Night Live and served as inspiration for the Secret Society of the Second Empire in the anime Code Geass.

Symbolism and rituals

The society's iconography centers on the skull and crossbones, the number 322, and other Gothic and medieval motifs. The number 322 is widely reported to reference the year of its founding (1832) and the death of the Greek orator Demosthenes in 322 BC, symbolizing a connection to Hellenic tradition. Rituals are said to involve initiation ceremonies with oaths of secrecy, the use of coffins, and the adoption of skeleton keys. The interior of the Tomb is rumored to contain decorated rooms with artifacts like a pirate flag and portraits of notable members. These symbols and practices are designed to create a distinct identity and reinforce the lifelong bonds between members.

Category:Yale University Category:Secret societies in the United States Category:Student societies in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1832