CONSPIRACY: Skull and Bones

Summary

Podcast Summary: "CONSPIRACY: Skull and Bones"

Podcast Information:

• Title: So Supernatural
• Host/Author: audiochuck | Crime House
• Description: Most mysteries can be solved by looking at the facts. But sometimes, the truth lies somewhere in the unknown… Enter the realm of true crime’s most bizarre occurrences, and unravel all the possible explanations. No matter how strange or surreal they get.
• Episode: CONSPIRACY: Skull and Bones
• Release Date: June 6, 2025

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Introduction to Skull and Bones

The episode delves into the enigmatic Yale secret society known as Skull and Bones. Hosted by Rasha Pecorero and Chuck, with occasional insights from co-host Yvette Gentile, the discussion unpacks the historical significance, rituals, and conspiracy theories surrounding this exclusive group.

Notable Quote:

Ashley Flowers [01:19]: "It's a moment of self-discovery... there's one group at Yale University that takes this stuff to a whole new level. It's called Skull and Bones."

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Origins and Founding of Skull and Bones

Skull and Bones was established in 1832 at Yale University amidst a period of heightened suspicion towards secret societies in the United States. The society was founded by William Morgan, a Yale student disillusioned with the Freemasons' influence and perceived undemocratic nature.

Key Points:

• William Morgan's Rebellion: Morgan aimed to expose the Freemasons by writing a tell-all book, which led to his mysterious disappearance after his manuscript was destroyed in a suspicious fire and he was wrongfully imprisoned.
• Establishment of Eulogian Club: In response to anti-elitist sentiments, Morgan and his peers founded the Eulogian Club, later dubbed Skull and Bones, emphasizing elitism and exclusivity.

Notable Quote:

Chuck [10:18]: "Skull and Bones is still around today. And there's so much we still haven't learned about their inner workings."

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Symbols, Rituals, and Secrecy

The society's emblem—a skull and crossed bones over the number 322—symbolizes their foundational beliefs and historical references to ancient Greece's shift from democracy to oligarchy.

Key Points:

• The Tomb: Their headquarters, known as "The Tomb," is a mausoleum-like structure on Yale's campus, shrouded in secrecy with restricted access.
• Initiation Rituals: New members undergo rigorous and mysterious initiation ceremonies involving blindfolds, physical ordeals, and symbolic acts meant to represent rebirth and loyalty.
• Commitment and Networking: Members, referred to as Bonesmen, are expected to maintain lifelong loyalty, helping each other secure influential positions in politics and business.

Notable Quote:

Chuck [29:46]: "Nothing like a frat house... but it's Skull and Bones' culture of secrecy that sets it apart."

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Influence and Prominent Members

Over the years, Skull and Bones has produced numerous influential figures, including U.S. Presidents and high-ranking officials. The network's power lies in its ability to place former members in pivotal roles, thus shaping political and economic landscapes.

Key Points:

• William Howard Taft: The 27th President of the United States and a Skull and Bones member who appointed fellow Bonesmen to key cabinet positions, raising concerns about undue influence.
• George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush: Both Presidents and members, their tenures sparked theories about the society's role in national and international affairs, including connections to significant historical events like the Manhattan Project.
• Conspiracy Theories: Speculations abound regarding Skull and Bones' involvement in major events, suggesting a hidden hand guiding world affairs for the group's benefit.

Notable Quote:

Chuck [22:11]: "Some conspiracy theorists claim that the Skull and Bones actually set all of World War II into motion."

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Modern-Day Evolution and Criticism

In response to changing societal values, Skull and Bones has attempted to modernize by diversifying its membership and shedding its elitist image. However, skepticism remains regarding the true extent of its transformation.

Key Points:

• Inclusion Efforts: Since the 1990s, the society began admitting women and people of color, albeit slowly, to improve its public image.
• Continuing Secrecy: Despite these changes, Skull and Bones maintains its secretive nature, with many rituals and internal dynamics remaining undisclosed.
• Public Perception: Opinions are divided; some view the society as merely an exclusive networking club, while others believe it harbors darker ambitions and unchecked power.

Notable Quote:

Rasha Pecorero [35:28]: "The society is trying to demonstrate that it's fair and equitable after all."

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Conclusion: The Enduring Mystery of Skull and Bones

The episode wraps up by emphasizing the enduring allure and mystery of Skull and Bones. While the society has adapted to some modern expectations, its deep-rooted traditions and influential network continue to fuel speculation and conspiracy theories.

Key Takeaway: Skull and Bones exemplifies how secret societies can maintain significant influence over decades, shaping leaders and policies from behind the scenes. Whether viewed as a benign exclusive club or a shadowy power broker, its legacy remains a captivating topic in the realm of true crime and conspiracy.

Notable Quote:

Rasha Pecorero [36:26]: "Real power doesn't come from exclusive clubs, secret meetings and occult rituals. It comes from us."

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Final Thoughts: "CONSPIRACY: Skull and Bones" offers a comprehensive exploration of one of America's most secretive and influential societies. Through historical accounts, personal anecdotes, and analysis of conspiracy theories, the episode provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of Skull and Bones' place in both Yale's legacy and the broader tapestry of American power structures.

Transcript

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[Rasha Pecorero]

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[Chuck]

Bottom of the bottom.

[Ashley Flowers]

For the most part. I had a great college experience. I mean, what's not to love about it? You're out in the world on your own for the first time, learning how to be an adult, meeting new people, trying new things. It's a moment of self discovery. For some people, that means finding your place within a new community. Now, I never did Greek life. I never pledged a sorority, but I hear it's pretty intense. Lots of old secrets, sacred traditions, meaningful ceremonies. I imagine if you can get through the hazing, it's enough to make even the biggest outcasts feel a sense of belonging and purpose. There's one group at Yale University that takes this stuff to a whole new level. It's called Skull and Bones. And it's not so much a fraternity as it is a secret society. It's been around since the 1800s, and many of its members have gone on to take powerful political positions, including the presidency. From what I hear, their traditions and ceremonies are not for the faint of heart. And the secrets they're protecting aren't just who got alcohol poisoning at last weekend's party. They may actually have global implications. I'm Ashley Flowers, and this is so Supernatural.

[Rasha Pecorero]

Foreign. Welcome back to so Supernatural. I'm Rasha Pecorero.

[Chuck]

And I'm Yvette Gentile. And y' all know I love a good conspiracy theory, which is why today's topic is right up my alley. We're discussing one of the most infamous and secretive student societies at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. It's called Skull and Bones. Now, Rasha, have you ever wanted to be a part of any type of, I don't know, secret society?

[Rasha Pecorero]

Unless you include Hogwarts?

[Chuck]

How did I know you were going to say that?

[Rasha Pecorero]

No. And of course I would be placed in Gryffindor. And I was even sorted into Gryffindor at the Warner Brothers studio lot. But we'll save that story for another day. If there is one thing that I know about secret societies, it's that they usually come with a pretty sinister reputation. I mean, you don't hear that phrase and think nice charitable organizations or neighborhood book clubs. But we can't dive into the Skull and Bones without talking about an even more famous secret society. The big Kahuna of them all, the Freemasons.

[Chuck]

And I'm sure some of you have heard about the Masons before. They're that centuries old super secret group that's allegedly plotting to take over the world. But for those of you who aren't in the know, Freemasonry was founded in 1717. Throughout history, there have been a lot of rumors of spooky rituals, even magic going on during their meetings. They also require their members to subscribe to bespoke religious beliefs, including a supreme being, or as they call it, Grand Architect of the Universe, which has definitely sparked some wild conspiracy theories over the years. High profile murders, satanic sacrifices, new world orders. If you want to hear more about it, just check out Ashley's episode she did on the Illuminati. We'll link it in the show notes because, you guys, that one is crazy. She talks about Jay Z, she talks about Beyonce, she talks about a lot of people.

[Rasha Pecorero]

Apparently the Freemasons are still going strong even today. And I am a huge fan of the movie National Treasure with Nicolas Cage. And it definitely glorifies the Freemasons in that movie series and even in the show. And so it's always been mystical to me. But to hear more about what the Freemasons really were and are is fascinating. These days they're said to have millions of members with chapters all over the world. But back in 1828, the Freemasons were facing a difficult period in their history and a lot of it had to do with a man named William Morgan. William is a bricklayer from upstate New York and a veteran of the War of 1812. He's not politically important or influential, but he is well liked in his small town. Oh, and he's also a Freemason. When he first joined, William was all in on being part of this cool, spooky society. But since then he's learned about the secrets and inner workings of the group. And now he's totally disgusted. William thinks the organization is way too powerful and that they're using that power for evil. So he basically wants to take them down a peg, maybe force them to act more responsibly. So he ends up coming up with a plan. Expose all of the skeletons in the Mason's closet. And what's the best way to get that info out? In the 1800s, apparently it's by publishing a tell all book. Now anyone who reads it will know about every sketchy thing the Masons have done. Not only could it embarrass major leaders who are also members, but it might even change the balance of world power as William knows it. So William puts his heart and soul into the book. And right when he goes to deliver his manuscript, something suspicious happens. His publisher's office mysteriously catches fire. The police say it's arson, but they don't say by who. Meanwhile, Morgan is arrested on fabricated charges for stealing a shirt and tie. And while he's in jail, a group of mysterious people ransack his entire house. Apparently they were looking for more copies of the manuscript. Clearly someone was interested in getting rid of all the copies. And if that wasn't suspicious enough, the day after the fire he gets arrested again on a phony charge of stealing $2. A mysterious person pays his bail and Morgan ends up getting out of jail. But then he vanishes without a trace. William is never seen again, alive or dead. Naturally, this has everyone talking. Rumors are going around that the Masons might actually have been responsible for murdering William.

[Chuck]

So in the late 1820s and early 1830s, a lot of Americans are feeling very suspicious of the Masons and secret societies in general. In fact, there is a lot of uproar about how these organizations are wildly undemocratic. The thinking is, if all people are created equal, then shouldn't all people have the same resources and opportunities? If a small number of hand selected elites are meeting in secret and doing each other favors, well, that's pretty much the opposite of what the United States is supposed to stand for. So by 1832, a lot of people are coming to the conclusion that good patriotic Americans should be opposed to secret societies.

[Rasha Pecorero]

So after that, there's a big movement away from exclusive groups in the United States. Important officials make public statements distancing themselves from Masons and similar organizations. And one Yale student named William Russell absolutely hates this movement.

[Chuck]

Well, this William comes from a very wealthy family which made its fortune selling dangerous and highly addictive opium. And as it turns out, William doesn't think it's a problem that certain societies are unfair and undemocratic. He thinks the world should be unfair because in his mind, some people are just naturally superior to others. And, of course, they should have more access to wealth, professional networks, insider information, and all the other things that the rich and powerful have a leg up on. So while the rest of the world is moving away from elite secret societies, he decides he's going to create his own right there on the Yale campus.

[Rasha Pecorero]

He recruits four other students, including a guy named Alfonso Taft, and they name their secret society after the Greek goddess of eloquence, Eulogia. So the organization is called the Eulogian Club.

[Chuck]

But here's the thing. There is no Eulogia in the Greek pantheon. William and his friends, they just made her up. They invented a whole mythology around her, as well as for why they didn't just draw on real Greek mythology. Well, I mean, y' all, that's a whole nother mystery. But it may be just another sign of how elitist William was. Think about it. He's building a society around fake mythology and tricking non members into thinking that it's real, that they just don't have access to that sort of knowledge. I mean, you talk about manipulative and messed up, but it also makes William the perfect guy to start a secret.

[Rasha Pecorero]

Society, and he goes all out. William and his partners even designed their own logo for the group. It looks a little bit like a pirate flag and features a skull and a pair of crossed bones over the number 322. The skull and Crossbones logo becomes so iconic around campus that eventually the Eulogian Club gets nicknamed Skull and Bones. So William and his members embrace it and start calling themselves Bonesmen. And that number 322 has its own significance. That was the year when ancient Greece stopped being a democracy and instead became a country where the rich and the powerful exploited the poor and underprivileged.

[Chuck]

So William is on a mission to create this secret society that's all about being unfair and opposing equality again. He's flying directly in the face of a lot of Americans who at this time want society to move away from these organizations and toward progress. William even comes up with a nickname for the Yale students who don't make the cut. Bonesmen. Call the non members barbarians, AKA primitive, less intelligent, savage people. It's obviously clear that elitism is baked into everything the Bonesmen do, down to their traditions and rituals. They only accept around 15 new members. And out of the entire Yale student body, which these days has about 6,700 undergrads alone. And I don't know exactly how many students There were in 1832, but it was probably something like a few hundred or so, meaning the group was still exceptionally exclusive since they started with just five people.

[Rasha Pecorero]

So the new recruits are always juniors. They're accepted right at the end of the spring semester, and they only get to participate for one year before they graduate. And this probably comes as no surprise, but for the vast majority of Skull and Bones history, those roughly 15 Bonesmen are always white and they're always men, right?

[Chuck]

So guess what? If you were a woman or a person of color, it didn't matter how good your grades were or what kind of accomplishments you racked up. Skull and Bones. They didn't want you.

[Rasha Pecorero]

But to be fair, neither did Yale at the time. They hadn't even begun admitting black students until the year 1870, and women weren't admitted until 1969.

[Chuck]

So I think it's safe to say that the society was primarily choosing people based on who they were related to. A bunch of new members came from rich, powerful families. And now, I don't know if the higher ups at Yale have any opinions about this, but if they did, they likely kept it to themselves. William's father ended up making a huge monetary donation to the school. Of course, with strings attached. This money should not only support Skull and Bones in its work, but it should also pay for the construction of their headquarters, to which the school officials were like, thank you, sir. Where do we sign the check? And when they finally built that headquarters, it was at the center of Yale's campus. And do you know what they called it? The Tomb. And the building looks like just one of those stone mausoleums you see in graveyards, which was probably exactly what they were going for. Something like dark, sinister, creepy.

[Rasha Pecorero]

And it still looks exactly the same today. But even though it's on Yale's campus, it's completely closed off to the public. There are two big padlocks on the front doors. You'll only find four windows on the entire building, and they're way too small for anyone to see through or to even let in any natural light. The inside of the tomb is supposedly filled to the brim with coffins, and all of the clocks in there are set to run five minutes fast. And this is meant to represent the idea that the tomb is literally operating in the future. It's decorated with antique furniture and according to some rumors, a bloody knife in a display case. It's said that the knife was once used to kill a former Bonesman who threatened to betray the society. And those are just the details we know about.

[Chuck]

And guess what? Skull and Bones is still around today. And there's so much we still haven't learned about their inner workings. But we do know about the big moves they've made in public, because a ton of former Bonesmen have gone on to become important businessmen and politicians playing some pretty key roles in our global history. And the scary part is they might be controlling the world for their own benefit.

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[Rasha Pecorero]

Skull and Bones was founded in 1832, but it's hard to say what they stand for because it's not like they've declared a public facing mission or principles. Even since the beginning, they've been pretty insistent about ensuring the group is highly exclusive, the opposite of a democracy that's pro equality. And it's not long before their elitist efforts start to pay off. After they graduated, former Bonesmen started getting important political positions. Some of them even became state or federal Supreme Court judges. Others went on to run major businesses and banks. And those businessmen and politicians began not only cooperating, but scheming together, making big plans with a global impact.

[Chuck]

So remember Alphonso Taft, one of the five founding members of Skull and Bones? Well, he goes on to become the Secretary of War for President Grant in 1876. But Alfonso wasn't the only Taft to make it big after being a part of Skull and Bones. His son William also enrolled at Yale, and he got an automatic invitation to Skull and Bones because. Hello? Well, nepotism. And like a lot of other Bonesmen, William went on to be really successful in politics. After graduating, he started winning elections, holding major offices. And then in 1908, William Howard Taft wins the battle for the White House. He literally gets elected to be the 27th president of the United States. His political victory is a big deal, because according to rumors, the friends and connections you make as a Bonesman don't disappear once you graduate. Members of the Skull and Bones are supposed to always be loyal to one another until death. Alumni are basically required to do each other favors or support each other's policies and businesses. They might hook up their fellow Bonesmen with jobs or introduce them to people in their professional networks. In fact, former members meet up every year in a remote cabin in upstate New York just to keep those bonds strong. So in other words, once you join the Bones, you never leave.

[Rasha Pecorero]

So now you've got a former Bonesman in one of the most powerful positions on Earth. And since it's sort of this open secret, people begin to wonder if his membership is going to affect his presidency. I mean, after all, he has to pick a nine person cabinet. And wouldn't you know it, two of his selections are fellow Bonesmen. That sends a pretty clear message that President Taft is letting Skull and Bones have a very loud and even outsized voice in his own government. Some Americans fear that down the line he'll be tempted to pass a law that's bad for most citizens just because it could benefit a fellow Bonesman. Or that he might support policies that hurt the poor, but benefit the rich and powerful families that belong to the Skull and Bones. While President Taft doesn't destroy democracy, thankfully, there are some future Bonesmen that threaten it.

[Chuck]

It's said that in the 1930s, a wealthy Bonesman helped store money for the financier of an up and coming German politician, Adolf Hitler. Allegedly, and this is a very big allegedly, the money helped him get elected to at least one of his positions. Now, again, I can't confirm or deny this, but what I do know is that other Bonesmen had important roles in a different game changing political event. The Manhattan Project. That's the program that developed the nuclear bomb during World War II. And since the Secretary of War who oversaw the program was also a Bonesman. Well, y' all can see where I'm going with this, right?

[Rasha Pecorero]

Yes.

[Chuck]

In fact, some conspiracy theorists claim that the Skull and Bones actually set all of World War II into motion. They put Hitler into power, then developed the weapons to defeat him, all so that the United States of America would emerge as a world superpower.

[Rasha Pecorero]

Like Yvette just said, we don't know if the allegations about Hitler are actually true or how involved the Bonesmen really were in the Manhattan Project. But what we can be certain of is that some members were positioned to be very involved with American politics. Because just 80 years after Taft in 1988, another Bonesman became the President of the United States. George H.W.

[Chuck]

Bush. And George H.W. bush was sworn in the following January. But before Election Day, while Bush was still just a candidate for the presidency, the Washington Post ran an article about him. It's about certain skeletons in his closet and the powerful people who know his secrets and could use them against him.

[Rasha Pecorero]

So Bush joined Skull and Bones in 1947, when he was just 23 years old and a senior at Yale. As part of his initiation ceremony, he was supposed to tell his whole life story, leaving absolutely nothing out. For what it's worth, we're going to cover the initiation ceremony in more detail later. But all you need to know now is that Bush's fellow Bonesmen said they needed to learn everything about him. His dreams, his goals, his victories, and his biggest, most shameful secrets as well. So Bush supposedly told them everything.

[Chuck]

Now you can see why in 1988, it's a big issue when the Washington Post runs that article about Bush. Because there's roughly a dozen people out there who have dirt on the possible future President of the United States. What's to say they won't use that information to blackmail him into doing something detrimental to this country?

[Rasha Pecorero]

Except when Bush is confronted about this, he says, absolutely not. No way. The Bonesmen would never betray him. On the contrary, he sees them as family members, people who support him and want what's best for him. I mean, they helped him become the man he is today.

[Chuck]

Which is all very sweet, but concerning in a whole different way. If the Skull and Bone shaped Bush into the kind of man who could win the presidency, it sort of sounds like they've been grooming America's future leaders, planting their own people right into our government. In fact, when some journalists ask Bush about the inner workings of the Skull and Bones and what else happened when he was a member, he refuses to speak about it. Clearly, the society is not a deal breaker for most Americans, though, because three months later, Bush wins the race. But there Are some people who wonder who is really in charge in the White House, President Bush or Skull and Bones?

[Rasha Pecorero]

People are asking a similar question when Bush's son also runs for president in 2000. And I'm talking about George W. Bush. And for those of you who don't remember, in 2004, George W. Ran for re election against a Democratic nominee named John Kerry, which, of course, is interesting, because John Kerry was also also a former Bonesman. This fact makes a lot of people nervous because either way that they vote, they're getting a Bonesman. And since Kerry and Bush are both allegedly part of the very same network and both potentially advancing the Skull and Bones agenda, well, many voters are wondering, do we really have a say at all? That is, if the conspiracy theories are to be believed.

[Chuck]

Of course, some people are thrilled about this election. While George W. Bush is running for president, he gets a ton of cash from, you guessed it, his fellow Bonesmen. I'm assuming Bonesmen are donating to Kerry as well. And there is a lot of attention on an election when the people are choosing between two different Bonesmen. But in the end, Bush wins a second term. And during his time in office, he appoints five fellow Skull and Bones members to cabinet positions. So, according to rumors, this includes our fourth. Yes, you heard me. Our fourth William of the story, a guy named William Donaldson, who is the head of the U.S. securities and Exchange Commission. But Donaldson and Bush refused to discuss it. The Society is just that secret. I do know that Bush's vice president, Dick Cheney, is not a Bonesman. But the Cheney family does have ties to the Society. We're talking going back generations, which might have helped him secure that spot in some way. Regardless, this gets people talking. In the early 2000s, rumors are flying that the Skull and Bones have too much of a say in our politics.

[Rasha Pecorero]

Some people don't take the gossip seriously, though. They say the Society is no different from any other social club or college association. They're saying it's a way to meet friends, some of whom you stay in contact with for years. I mean, people network, and sometimes that networking pays off. It's not fair or equitable, but it's not a global conspiracy.

[Chuck]

Plenty of people disagree. They think the Skull and Bones is something much darker. And the evidence for that becomes more apparent when you look at their secret rituals.

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[Rasha Pecorero]

After operating for almost two centuries on the Yale campus, the Skull and Bones is still around to this day. And their spokespeople admit back when they were founded in the 1830s, their members were anti democratic elitists. But apparently in the 21st century, they've caught up with the times. Current Bonesmen claim that they do not want to take over the world or fight for inequality. They just want to be a typical club, a place where people can get together, network, and talk about their future plans.

[Chuck]

But let's be honest, the society is anything but normal, because even to this day, they've maintained some weird traditions and ceremonies. I'm talking things that could sound magical or demonic, depending on how you look at them. Just listen to the rumored details of their initiation ritual. This is something that supposedly every single Bonesman has to go through. New recruits have been doing this since the Society was founded. As soon as a student learns they've been invited to join, they have to report to the tomb on a particular Sunday night. And they don't just walk in the front door. They have to be blindfolded and led inside, like they're being taken prisoner. Then after they make it inside, rumor has it that other Bonesmen beat them and stripped them naked. I mean, damn, that's a pretty rough start. Once they're all bruised up, the new members have to lay down in a coffin. And this is supposed to represent their rebirth? Like their old self is literally dying. Except this process doesn't happen instantly. The new recruit has to lay in the coffin, and for hours. While they're in there, they tell the current Bonesman all of their sexual secrets, as in getting into detail about every single hookup, every kink, what they're into. I mean, we're talking really intimate stuff. Now as to why the hell this is anybody's business, y' all. I don't even know. Maybe the Bonesmen are being invasive so they can blackmail the new members later. Who knows? Or maybe it's just a way to break down their boundaries and force them to feel more vulnerable. But either way, they learn a lot about each other that night. Afterward, the Bonesman gets out of the coffin and is reborn as this brand new person, someone who will now embody the Bones values. They pick a new name for themselves to symbolize their new identity, codenames that other Bonesmen will use for them going forward. For example, William Taft's code name was Old Bill. Obviously not that creative or stealthy. I know. So George W. Bush took so long choosing one, his fellow Bonesman eventually dubbed him Temporary. That's the name that stuck for the rest of the year. Hopefully, new initiates these days do a better job of picking a name. But that's not the end of the ceremony. The initiation supposedly ends with the new member drinking blood out of a human skull. For what it's worth, most reports say it's not really blood. More likely it's actually red Kool Aid. And the skull might not be real either. But once they're done drinking, they kiss another member's toe. And then, I guess that's it. They're a part of the Skull and Bones.

[Rasha Pecorero]

Once you are a fully fledged Bonesman, you're committing to spending every single Sunday and Thursday night at the tomb. Some of these meetings feature highly structured debates about politics and philosophy. Others are basically repeats of the initiation ceremony. Members get together and talk about their sexual exploits or deep, dark secrets. Honestly, none of this sounds like the sort of thing that would lead to a global takeover. It's more like what I'd expect to go down in any frat house. But it's Skull and Bones culture of secrecy that sets it apart. This idea that no one knows for sure what's going on behind closed doors. And therefore, Yale's best and brightest have historically been desperate to get in on the action. And don't be. Frat atmosphere or not, the connections you can make at the Skull and Bones will open professional doors for you for the rest of your life. Or at least that's how it used to work.

[Chuck]

The Skull and Bones has changed in the last few decades, in part because they've tried to move past their reputation for being all about fighting progress and change. In the 1960s, for the first time in Skull and Bones history, they had a hard time bringing in new recruits.

[Rasha Pecorero]

This was the height of the civil rights era. And lots of Yale students had some reservations about joining a group that was just for white men who were opposed to equality. In fact, the Bonesmen issued invitations to some students, still white men, of course, saying they had a chance to join. And some of those students actually said. Said thank you, but no thank you, though. In 1936, the Skull and Bones tapped the first man of color to join its ranks. They hoped this would improve their image, but apparently he declined, too, because there wasn't a black member of the society officially until the year 1956.

[Chuck]

Yeah, but it was a case of too little, too late. By the 1990s or so, the leaders at the Skull and Bones realized they still had a branding issue. So in 1992, they started letting women join. Not that they deserve too much credit for figuring out that racism and sexism are wrong at the end of the 20th century, but still, they actually seemed embarrassed by their history of inequality.

[Rasha Pecorero]

They probably also realized you can't really be an organization for the best and brightest. Not when you're intentionally excluding a ton of smart, accomplished people just because of their gender or the color of their skin. Which is pretty ironic, I have to say, because the founder, William Russell, one of the many Williams in today's story, originally created Skull and Bones almost out of spite. He didn't care about being politically correct or socially acceptable. In fact, part of his point was to reject democratic ideals. And yet here we are in 2025, and the society is trying to demonstrate that it's fair and equitable after all.

[Chuck]

I love the irony here. So many people think that Skull and Bones are trying to change the world, but instead, to all appearances, the world is changing. Skull and Bones.

[Rasha Pecorero]

If that's true, that sends a very powerful message of its own. That real power doesn't come from exclusive clubs, secret meetings and occult rituals. It comes from us. Our collective voices are more powerful than any one wealthy individual, or any secret society, for that matter. And the louder we scream, the harder it becomes for them to ignore us.

[Chuck]

This is so supernatural. An audio Chuck original produced by Crime House. You can connect with us on Instagram @sosupernaturalpod and visit our website at sosupernaturalpodcast.com join Rush and me next Friday for an all new episode. So what do you think, Chuck? Do you approve?

[Unknown]

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