• The Order of Skull and Bones is a secret society founded at Yale University in 1832. Though Skull and Bones was one of many similar groups founded on the Yale campus in the mid-19th century, it is notable both for its longevity and because many of its members go on to serve in high-level positions in the United States government.

  On February 20, 2009, descendants of the Apache leader Geronimo filed suit against the society, President Barack Obama, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Secretary of the U.S. Army Peter Geren and Yale University asking for possession of the remains of Geronimo and body parts of others they claim were stolen in 1918 or 1919. The U.S. Justice Department has filed a counter-motion seeking to dismiss the case.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8112051.stm

• 1. Official name: Order of Skull and Bones
  2. Also known as: Bones
  3. Former name: The Brotherhood of Death
  4. Year founded: 1832
  5. Origin: Yale University senior class members
  6. Members referred to as "Bonesmen"
  7. Geronimo's skull allegedly stored at the society headquarters

• Cinematic References

  • 2000's The Skulls is based on conspiracy theories related to the group
  • 2007's The Good Shepherd dramatizes member induction ceremonies and implies the group's influence in the CIA

• Prominent Alumni

  1. President George W. Bush
  2. Senator John Kerry

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