Skull and Bones: An Informational Essay
Surprisingly enough, the first collegiate secret society was the Phi Beta Kappa society that was founded in 1776 on the campus of the College of William and Mary. It wasn’t until the 1840’s that the Phi Beta Kappa society became an academic honor society open to all students who qualify. While Phi Beta Kappa is no longer a secret society, it gave birth to hundreds of secret societies on college and university campuses across the country.
While no one is certain exactly how many secret societies are currently operating on college and university campuses, it cannot be disputed that the most well-known is the Skull and Bones society formed on the campus of Yale University in 1832.
Skull and Bones was founded by William Huntington Russell and Alphonso Taft. Russell modeled it after spending time among similar societies in Germany. When he returned to Yale from Germany in 1832, he shared his vision with Taft, and together they began one of the most controversial collegiate groups known today.
A secret society is similar to a fraternity, except that their membership, rituals, and meetings, among other things, are not known to the public. Secret societies began as groups of influential young men (women were invited to some societies beginning in the 1990's) who were members of the senior class. While some societies now welcome underclassmen, most, including Skull and Bones, only invite rising seniors into the fold. While the requirements of membership are unknown, it is believed that members are chosen based on their leadership, influence, and lineage.
The initiation process into many secret societies was begun by Yale’s Skull and Bones. At Yale, they refer to the process as “tapping.” Undergraduates meet in the college yard on a publicly announced evening. Current members tap certain students on the shoulder and accompany them to their residence. There they invite them to join. The initiation process after this point is unknown although theories abound. One well circulated theory is that prospective members must sleep in coffins during their “trail period.”
Until 1952, when their meeting place referred to as “the tomb” was built, the group met in different locations each week. It is now believed they hold meetings in “the tomb” on Thursdays and Sundays.
Many theories exist regarding the Skull and Bones. Some suggest that Skull and Bones is affiliated with the Illuminati. Others believe members of the Skull and Bones influence government. This could be plausible, as there are three known U.S. Presidents who are members of the society. William Howard Taft (son of co-founder Alphonso Taft) was initiated in 1876. Seventy years later, George H.W. Bush was initiated in 1946 and his son, George W. Bush was initiated in 1966.
Most who have spoken out against the group share concerns regarding the disproportionate amount of powerful individuals who are believed to be members of the group. Some of those people include members of the Vanderbilt and Rockefeller families, many senators, congressmen, CEO’s, and presidential cabinet members, not to mention the three U.S. presidents listed above.
In the age of the internet, it is believed we know more about the Skull and Bones than ever before. While there are many more secrets yet to be discovered, there is one thing we know for sure. In April, fifteen men and women were tapped into Skull and Bones. In fact, many would claim that it is possible at this very moment that deep inside “the tomb,” fifteen new “bonesmen” are beginning their reign as this year’s seniors depart. In another ten years, these may be the men and women who are leading our government, economy, and possibly, world.
While no one is certain exactly how many secret societies are currently operating on college and university campuses, it cannot be disputed that the most well-known is the Skull and Bones society formed on the campus of Yale University in 1832.
Skull and Bones was founded by William Huntington Russell and Alphonso Taft. Russell modeled it after spending time among similar societies in Germany. When he returned to Yale from Germany in 1832, he shared his vision with Taft, and together they began one of the most controversial collegiate groups known today.
A secret society is similar to a fraternity, except that their membership, rituals, and meetings, among other things, are not known to the public. Secret societies began as groups of influential young men (women were invited to some societies beginning in the 1990's) who were members of the senior class. While some societies now welcome underclassmen, most, including Skull and Bones, only invite rising seniors into the fold. While the requirements of membership are unknown, it is believed that members are chosen based on their leadership, influence, and lineage.
The initiation process into many secret societies was begun by Yale’s Skull and Bones. At Yale, they refer to the process as “tapping.” Undergraduates meet in the college yard on a publicly announced evening. Current members tap certain students on the shoulder and accompany them to their residence. There they invite them to join. The initiation process after this point is unknown although theories abound. One well circulated theory is that prospective members must sleep in coffins during their “trail period.”
Until 1952, when their meeting place referred to as “the tomb” was built, the group met in different locations each week. It is now believed they hold meetings in “the tomb” on Thursdays and Sundays.
Many theories exist regarding the Skull and Bones. Some suggest that Skull and Bones is affiliated with the Illuminati. Others believe members of the Skull and Bones influence government. This could be plausible, as there are three known U.S. Presidents who are members of the society. William Howard Taft (son of co-founder Alphonso Taft) was initiated in 1876. Seventy years later, George H.W. Bush was initiated in 1946 and his son, George W. Bush was initiated in 1966.
Most who have spoken out against the group share concerns regarding the disproportionate amount of powerful individuals who are believed to be members of the group. Some of those people include members of the Vanderbilt and Rockefeller families, many senators, congressmen, CEO’s, and presidential cabinet members, not to mention the three U.S. presidents listed above.
In the age of the internet, it is believed we know more about the Skull and Bones than ever before. While there are many more secrets yet to be discovered, there is one thing we know for sure. In April, fifteen men and women were tapped into Skull and Bones. In fact, many would claim that it is possible at this very moment that deep inside “the tomb,” fifteen new “bonesmen” are beginning their reign as this year’s seniors depart. In another ten years, these may be the men and women who are leading our government, economy, and possibly, world.