Skull and Bones
Yale University's most famous secret society, whose alumni include U.S. presidents, Supreme Court justices, and powerful figures across government and finance.
Documented record
Known Facts
Skull and Bones was founded in 1832 at Yale University by William H. Russell and Alphonso Taft.
The society meets in a windowless building called 'The Tomb' on the Yale campus.
Membership is limited to 15 new members each year, selected from the Yale senior class.
Notable members include Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, and Senator John Kerry.
The society has been documented to own an island retreat called 'Deer Island' in the St. Lawrence River.
Supporting claims & documentation
Evidence For
Published Exposés and Leaked Records
SECONDARY SOURCESeveral books have documented the society's membership, rituals, and history based on leaked records.
SOURCE:Multiple authors (Robbins, Sutton, etc.)
Public Land Records — Deer Island
PRIMARY SOURCEPublicly filed land records show Skull and Bones Trust ownership of Deer Island.
SOURCE:New York real estate records
Photographic Evidence of The Tomb
PHYSICALPhotos of the society's building and known members entering it have been widely published.
SOURCE:Various media outlets
Counterpoints & criticisms
Evidence Against
Limited by Alumni Reporting
ANALYSISThe society's influence is difficult to measure; correlation with power does not prove causation.
SOURCE:Sociological analysis
Declining Relevance
ANALYSISThe number of Bonesmen in high office has declined in recent decades, suggesting diminishing influence.
SOURCE:Membership analysis
Island Used for Conservation
ANALYSISDeer Island has been described as a conservation retreat, not a conspiracy planning site.
SOURCE:Environmental records
Unresolved inquiries
Open Questions
What selection criteria determine membership beyond existing connections?
How much do current members coordinate outside of society events?
What happens to the society's archives and artifacts?
How has the society adapted to Yale's co-educational and inclusive policies?
Chronological record
Timeline
Skull and Bones founded at Yale University.
First 'Tomb' building constructed.
Society begins accumulating notable political members.
Multiple Bonesmen reach highest levels of U.S. government.
Increased public scrutiny and published exposés.
Connected dossiers
Related Investigations
References & further reading
Sources
Automatically discovered links
Related Connections
Both investigations involve William H. Russell.
U.S. Government appear in both.
Both involve activities during the 1980s period.