Yale Secret Societies Tour

No part of Yale feeds the imagination like its secret societies. Behind high walls and heavy doors, groups such as Skull and Bones, Scroll and Key and Wolf's Head have met for generations in windowless buildings known as tombs, and the legends surrounding them are one reason people travel to New Haven. This walking tour brings a guide through the campus and its surrounding streets to explain the history, architecture and lore of the societies, with a mix of confirmed facts and good stories. You will see the exteriors of several of the best-known tombs, hear how the societies formed in the nineteenth century, and learn about the notable alumni associated with them, including political leaders, writers and business figures. The tour does not enter the buildings, since the societies are private, but the exteriors are fascinating in their own right.

The architecture is part of the story. Skull and Bones occupies a grim, windowless building known as the Tomb, built in the mid-nineteenth century, while Scroll and Key's Moorish-style building is an exotic fantasy of arches and carved stone. Other societies built in varied styles, from Greek temples to Egyptian-themed designs. A guide explains how these buildings were meant to project mystery and exclusivity, and how the tradition of secrecy grew into a cultural myth that appears in novels, films and conspiracy theories.

A walking tour is particularly good for this subject because the best way to appreciate it is to stand in front of each building and imagine the history. The guide will also cover the rest of the campus's character, including how students live, how residential colleges work and why Yale developed such a strong tradition of student organizations.

The tour typically lasts around two hours and covers a modest distance on level ground, with some cobbles. Check the operator's description for the meeting point, group size and any accessibility information, and arrive a few minutes early.

Because New Haven is easy to reach from Hartford by commuter rail, the tour fits comfortably into a day trip. Pair it with the Yale self-guided walking tour for context, or choose one of them depending on whether you prefer stories or architecture. Lunch at a historic pizzeria or a visit to the Yale University Art Gallery will round out the day.

Bring a light jacket for the shaded streets, and wear shoes that cope with brick sidewalks. The streets around campus also hold interesting churches, the New Haven Green and several handsome libraries, so the walk naturally leads to more sightseeing, and a coffee shop stop is easy to arrange before or after the meeting time. Ask the guide for recommendations on where to eat afterward, since local guides usually have strong opinions about pizza, sandwiches and the best late-afternoon coffee near campus.