Many of us grew up and joined different clubs during our youth. We all had different experiences, but many of the common clubs included the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, chess club, yearbook club, church clubs, and more. However, most of us will likely never be invited to the clubs on this list. These are the most elite organizations in history and you need to beat incredible odds to become a member.
Many of the organizations on this list have been around for hundreds of years, with some going back to the beginning of time while others were formed as recently as the 1990s. In most cases, these clubs have members that are very wealthy or incredibly influential in the world of politics, banking, and business. The organizations are located around the world, from the Netherlands to France to San Francisco, CA. So, if you live in these areas, knock on the door and ask if they’re taking new applications.
In order to determine the most secret and elite organizations in history, 24/7 Tempo researched near and far and turned over many stones. Much of this research was accomplished by educational websites, including the Smithsonian, National Geographic, and History.com. We hope you find this list as fascinating as we do. After you read about the exclusive clubs around the world, check out the other 45 amazing places you never knew existed.
Freemasons
- Year Founded: Uncertain, but most believe biblical times, Before Christ
- Still Active: Yes
- Headquarters: Masonic temple in Washington, D.C
What Are Freemasons?
When most people think about the elite organizations in history, the first group that will likely come to mind is the Freemasons. There are several reasons for that. One is that this is among the oldest groups in the history of the world to still exist today. The other is that the group doesn’t always go out of their way to stay hidden. They’re known for their secret handshakes, and the members wear large rings on their hands that make them easily recognizable. You can join the club if you’re over 21 and you’re referred by a former member.
How Did The Freemasons Come To Be?
The original starting date of the Freemasons is a bit hazy but it’s believed that they have been around since early biblical times, many years before the birth of Jesus Christ. The idea of the group was to honor God, and today, all of the members consider God to be the Grand Architect of the Universe, even if they have different religions. For many years the group was more secretive than they are today, but it’s still an honor to be a member.
Council on Foreign Relations
- Year Founded: 1921
- Still Active: Yes
- Headquarters: New York, NY
What Is the Council on Foreign Relations?
The Council on Foreign Relations is a large and powerful private organization whose mission is to influence the United States on all things related to foreign affairs. The group is also associated with J.D. Rockefeller and J.P. Morgan. The Council does most of its work during luncheons, where American business professionals and foreign leaders discuss important topics for the betterment of the world. The membership is open to all U.S. residents, but it’s very selective and chances of getting in are next to none.
How Did the Council on Foreign Relations Come To Be?
The Council first began in 1921 as a think tank to advise and help former President Woodrow Wilson. The idea was to bring together experts on science, education, industry, finance, and statecraft so they could help the country thrive. The Council is still around today and continues to advise and work with heads of state.
The Bohemian Club
- Year Founded: 1872
- Still Active: Yes
- Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
What Is the Bohemian Club?
Next on our list of the most elite organizations in history is the Bohemian Club. This is a very prominent yet private club that’s still in operation. However, unlike many other groups on this list, it’s less about conducting business and influencing others and more about artistic expression. Each year, the club hosts an exclusive three-week camp, and members can watch performances, including the “Cremation of Care” ceremony, which many past members say involves imagery of human sacrifice. Guests attend from many different facets of the world, from politics to enterprise.
How Did the Bohemian Club Come To Be?
When the Bohemian Club began all those years ago, it was a collection of artistic talent. The idea was to get together, create art, and celebrate each other’s work. In fact, the motto of the club was “Weaving Spiders Come Not Here,” which is a reference to Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. However, it wasn’t long before wealthy individuals took over the club and changed it into the dark event that it is today.
The Illuminati
- Year Founded: 1776
- Still Active: N
- Headquarters: Bavaria
What Is The Illuminati?
Another one of the most elite organizations that first comes to mind for many is The Illuminati. While there have been many variations, the main idea is that this group is made of wealthy and powerful citizens who have the goal of controlling the world. Though the real group is no longer around, many people believe it still functions in some way and that the members come up with ideas to manipulate us into believing what we believe and who we vote for. However, there is no proof that the group still exists.
How Did The Illuminati Come To Be?
The real Illuminati was an organization that began in Bavaria by professor Adam Weishaupt. The idea was to cast aside religion and present a new form of illumination through reason. It’s an idea that was inspired by the spread of Enlightenment and ideas of the Jesuits. The organization did well until it was stamped out by Duke Karl Theodor, who made membership in The Illuminati punishable by death. However, whisperings of the organization’s existence continue to persist.
Yellowstone Club
- Year Founded: 1997
- Still Active: Yes
- Headquarters: Big Sky, Montana
What Is the Yellowstone Club?
The Yellowstone Club is the only private ski and golf community in the world. It was designed as a members-only getaway where people in the area can enjoy skiing, golf, and outdoor pursuits like fishing and hiking, fine dining, and spas and wellness. In order to gain access to this club, you must buy a house in the area. The problem is that all of them cost at least four million dollars. The idea is that members can enjoy this place without distractions from the outside world and truly unwind. Altogether, the club offers 13,600 acres of enjoyment.
How Did the Yellowstone Club Come To Be?
One of the most elite organizations in history came to be when lumber baron Tim Blixseth wanted to create an oasis for people in the area. He retained the help of highly-regarded golf course designers, ski filmmakers, and Olympic skiers to help make the place a reality. They also built the Warren Miller Lodge, a 140,000 square foot compound where guests can play basketball and watch movies. There’s also a special area for kids. From the beginning, the goal was to only allow a maximum of 864 members. At the time of this writing, there are 460.
The Orange Order
- Year Founded: 1795
- Still Active: Yes
- Headquarters: Ireland
What Is the Orange Order?
The idea of the Orange Order is to gather people of the Protestant faith to protect other Protestants. It’s a secret society. Members who join are expected to accept the Principles of Reformation and have loyalty to their country. There are currently chapters of this club in Ireland and other nations around the world. It’s more of a social club rather than a group that influences global policies.
How Did the Orange Order Come To Be?
http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/376452
The Orange Order was named by Prince William III, who was the Prince of Orange. It was created after the Battle of the Diamond, which took place outside of Northern Ireland, with the purpose of protecting Protestants. Creating the group was a bold move considering that there was a law against secret societies in Ireland at the time, and several people, including Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, George William Frederick Villiers, were scolded for speaking kindly about the organization.
Skull and Bones
- Year Founded: 1832
- Still Active: Yes
- Headquarters: Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut
What Is the Skull and Bones Society?
This organization, which still exists, is technically a secret society of current and former students at Yale University. Every year, it’s believed that 15 seniors at the school are asked to join the Skull and Bones and their names are even published to the public. The members all meet in The Tomb, but what they do there is unknown because the members are sworn to secrecy. Some of the most famous members of the Skull and Bones include former presidents George W and George H.W. Bush, the founder of TIME magazine, and several members of the CIA, among others.
How Did Skull and Bones Come To Be?
Like most of the other elite organizations in history, Skull and Bones started a long time ago in 1832. It was co-founded by William Huntington Russell and Alphonso Taft, who were inspired by an occult society in Germany. They started adding members soon after. The group is also famous for its symbol, the skull and bones that has the number 322 written under it. The true meaning of the symbol is unclear, but it may refer to the year that Alexander the Great died.
The Knights of Pythias
- Year Founded: 1864
- Still Active: Yes
- Headquarters: Washington D.C.
What Are the Knights of Pythias?
The idea of this organization is to foster an idea of brotherly love for men in America. This is a group that is taken rather seriously and was even chartered by an act of Congress. Their colors are red, yellow, and blue. Yellow signifies charity, blue is friendship, and red is benevolence. Currently, the Knights of Pythias is a partner organization to the Boy Scouts of America.
How Did the Knights of Pythias Come To Be?
The group was formed by government employee Justus H. Rathbone in 1864 during the middle of the Civil War. He didn’t like what was going on in the country and so he started this organization to foster brotherly love. The group was named after Damon and Pythias, which is a Pythagorean ideal of friendship. All of the founding members were government employees, which no doubt helped them to be chartered by Congress.
The Dracula Club
- Year Founded: 1974
- Still Active: Yes
- Headquarters: St Moritz, Switzerland
What Is The Dracula Club?
Photo of a businessman using mobile phone in the city
Another of the most elite organizations in history is The Dracula Club, which is a social club where business tycoons, celebrities, and Swiss bankers gather to relax and socialize. Access to the club is very hard to come by as the attendees have a lifetime membership and can only invite people as their guests. There’s a strict dress code. Men must wear formal jackets and women wear couture. The group remains secret because smartphones are banned, and taking photos is strictly prohibited.
How Did The Dracula Club Come To Be?
The Dracula Club was started in 1974 by art collector Gunter Sachs. He wanted a place where powerful and successful people could meet and hang out without worrying about distraction or nuisance. Many members joined then and remain lifetime members. This is one of the very few elite leisure havens in all of Europe.
Bilderberg
- Year Founded: 1954
- Still Active: Yes
- Headquarters: Netherlands
What Is Bilderberg?
The original idea of the Bilderberg group was to include members from North America and Europe to create warmer relations between both continents, especially when an anti-Americanism movement was growing in Europe. Though anti-Americanism doesn’t exist so much in Europe anymore, the group still aims to continue a progressive relationship. It’s not a secret society, but you need to be pretty important to join. Previous members include Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton, Henry Kissinger, and others. While we know the general idea behind the group, the true details of what occurs in the place is mostly kept secret.
How Did Bilderberg Come To Be?
The Bilderberg group was first created by Netherland’s Prince Bernhard in 1954, with the initial meeting taking place at Hotel de Bilderberg in the Netherlands. Members are selected for the group by an international committee. Over 120 people are invited each year, with one-third coming from North America and two-thirds from Europe. While mostly politicians are invited, there are also members with backgrounds in academia, media, and finance.
The Ancient Order of the Foresters
http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/386428
- Year Founded: 1834
- Still Active: Yes
- Headquarters: Southampton, United Kingdom
What Is the Ancient Order of the Foresters?
Though not the most secretive of the elite organizations in history, the Ancient Order of the Foresters is still important, especially for its working class members. Technically, the group is more of an insurance company that provides insurance and does a lot of charitable work around the world while also insuring its members. However, it’s still considered an elite group.
How Did the Ancient Order of the Foresters Come To Be?
When the organization was created in 1834, it was before state health insurance was available in England. So, the group was made to allow working class people to get insurance and sick benefits. Other countries were included in the brotherhood, but some, including the Canadian and American branches left and started the Independent Order of the Foresters. In order to join, potential members had to pass a physical exam which was administered by a physician who was also a member.
Core Club
- Year Founded: 2005
- Still Active: Yes
- Headquarters: New York, NY
What Is the Core Club?
The Core Club is a very exclusive organization in New York that calls itself the “anti club.” Unlike many other groups on this list, there is no special dress code, you can use your phone, and you can talk about almost everything. There are a couple things that make it elite. One is that it costs $50,000 to join and then there’s a $15,000 fee every year after. The other issue is that the club is well hidden, with a secret entrance somewhere in New York. Members include past presidents, CEOs, and other well-connected individuals.
How Did the Core Club Come To Be?
The Core Club was created by businesswoman Jennie Saunders in 2005, and it began on 66 East 55th Street in Manhattan. Her background was in creating Reebok Sports Clubs before she started Core. Since the first Core opened, other locations have joined the family in Milano and San Francisco. The idea of the club is for successful people to exchange ideas while also enjoying speeches from global leaders, private concerts, and more. While you’re in New York, take time to check out the American Museum of Natural History, which is one of the must-visit museums in every state.