The Most Elite Organizations Ever Created

Society as a whole is a place where people like to belong, whether it's to a group on your block, a club at school, or the popular clique of kids in your school, we typically want to be on the inside looking out rather than the outside looking in. From a young age, we are encouraged to join activities, from sports, academics, and church clubs to the Boy Scouts of America (whose name will change to Scouting America in early 2025 to be more inclusive of its recent change to a co-ed group) and the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

A majority of clubs we see frequently are typically all-inclusive while others accept you based on your ability to perform. But what they don't have is exclusivity so intense, that the likelihood of you joining or being accepted is next to none, like many of the organizations listed here. These are the most elite organizations ever created and to gain access, you need to beat incredible odds.

Many of these elite organizations have been around for centuries, with some dating to the beginning of time, while others were formed more recently. One thing that most of them have in common is industry exclusivity, with many members who are not only very wealthy but are highly influential in the world of politics, banking, and business. These associations are located around the world, from the Netherlands to France to San Francisco, California, USA.

To determine the most exclusive organizations ever created, 24/7 Tempo did research by using educational websites, including the Smithsonian, National Geographic, and History.com. Perhaps one day, you can gain an inside perspective of what goes on, but until then, you'll have to satisfy your curiosity with this compilation. (Check out these 45 amazing places you never knew existed.)

• Established in: Uncertain, but most believe biblical times, Before Christ
• Currently active: Yes
• Headquarters: Masonic temple in Washington, D.C

One of the more well-known elite organizations is the Freemasons, who are among the oldest groups in history to still exist today. The group doesn't always go out of their way to stay hidden but is 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.

The original starting date of the Freemasons is not exactly known but it's believed to date back to early biblical times, 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.

• Established in: 1921
• Currently active: Yes
• Headquarters: New York, NY

This large and powerful private organization's mission is to influence the United States on all things related to foreign affairs. 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.

The Council first began as a think tank to advise and help former President Woodrow Wilson, with the thought 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.

• Established in: 1872
• Currently active: Yes
• Headquarters: San Francisco, CA

The Bohemian Club is a very prominent yet private club that's still in operation, but 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 are from an array of industries around the world, from politics to enterprise.

It began as a collection of artistic talent, with the idea to gather, create art, and celebrate each other's work. 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.

• Established in: 1776
• Currently active: Unknown
• Headquarters: Bavaria

There have been many variations of the Illuminati but the main idea is that this group is comprised of wealthy and powerful individuals who have the goal of controlling the world. Though the real group supposedly no longer exists, many people believe it still functions and members devise ideas to manipulate us into believing what we believe and who we vote for. There is no proof that the group still exists.

The real Illuminati was an organization that began in Bavaria by Professor Adam Weishaupt intending 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 the 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. Whisperings of the organization's existence continue to persist.

• Established in: 1997
• Currently active: Yes
• Headquarters: Big Sky, Montana

The only private ski and golf community in the world, the Yellowstone Club 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. The intention is for members to enjoy this place without distractions from the outside world and truly unwind. Altogether, the club offers 13,600 acres of enjoyment. To gain access, you must buy a house in the area, which sounds easy enough but all of the homes cost at least four million dollars.

One of the most exclusive organizations ever created began 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, and there is 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.

• Established in: 1795
• Currently active: Yes
• Headquarters: Ireland

The Orange Order is a secret society that was intended as a way to gather people of the Protestant faith to protect other Protestants. 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 but it's more of a social club than a group that influences global policies.

The Orange Order was named after Prince William III, who was the Prince of Orange and was created after the Battle of the Diamond, which took place outside of Northern Ireland, to protect 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.

• Established in: 1832
• Currently active: Yes
• Headquarters: Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut

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.

One of the older societies listed here, Skull and Bones was co-founded by William Huntington Russell and Alphonso Taft, who were inspired by an occult society in Germany and 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.

• Established in: 1864
• Currently active: Yes
• Headquarters: Washington D.C.

The premise of this organization is to foster an idea of brotherly love for men in America. This group, whose colors are red, yellow, and blue, is taken rather seriously and was even chartered by an act of Congress. 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 (soon-to-be Scouting America).

Formed by government employee Justus H. Rathbone during the middle of the Civil War, Rathbone didn't like the current state of the country and 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.

• Established in: 1974
• Currently active: Yes
• Headquarters: St Moritz, Switzerland

This social club is 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 also 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.

Founded by art collector Gunter Sachs who 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.

• Established in: 1954
• Currently active: Yes
• Headquarters: Netherlands

The original concept of this exclusive 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 are mostly kept secret.

The Bilderberg group was first created by Netherlands's Prince Bernhard 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 most politicians are invited, there are also members with backgrounds in academia, media, and finance.

• Established in: 1834
• Currently active: Yes
• Headquarters: Southampton, United Kingdom

This organization is not one of the most secretive of the exclusive organizations ever created but 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 but it's still considered an elite group.

The organization was created 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. To join, potential members had to pass a physical exam which was administered by a physician who was also a member.

• Established in: 2005
• Currently active: Yes
• Headquarters: New York, NY

This very exclusive organization in New York calls itself the "anti-club" and unlike many other groups listed here, there is no special dress code, phone use is not prohibited, and you are free to discuss almost anything. There are a couple of things that make it elite, starting with the cost. Membership is $50,000 to join and each year after, you must pay a $15,000 fee. The next 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.

Created by businesswoman Jennie Saunders, the club began on 66 East 55th Street in Manhattan. Saunders had a background 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.

Should you be in New York to do a little scouting, take time to check out the American Museum of Natural History, which is one of the must-visit museums in every state.