This Secret Society Claims Both George Washington And Michael Richards As Members
We like to joke about secret societies like the Illuminati or Lizard People taking over the world, but the truth is that such underground brotherhoods do exist, albeit on a smaller scale. One particular organization has persisted since the Middle Ages, and it's included a number of high-powered politicians and celebrities in its ranks. Today, members insist they're only interested in socializing and giving back to the community, but that begs the question: then why are they hiding?
Behind Closed Doors
They're remarkably skilled at hiding in plain sight. The secret society likely has a lodge in your own town, though you'd be forgiven for mistaking it for a bank or school. After coming under fire for various conspiracies — not to mention being publicized by everything from The Simpsons to National Treasure — this group values its privacy.
Significant Men
That's right, the Freemasons are real. The largest and ancient of fraternities, Freemasonry has existed for centuries. It goes back to before the founding of the United States and has spilled over into every elite group in the world. By and large, the original Freemasons were men of high importance in society. You'll recognize these famous members, even if they never spoke out about their involvement.
Serving the Country
A number of founding fathers were Freemasons, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, and many modern world leaders were proud members as well. In the 20th century, Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt were both Freemasons in the White House. There was also the first director of the FBI, J. Edgar Hoover. Curiously, not all Masons were dedicated politicos.
Classical Notes
Mozart was a member of the Masonic society, and he even went on to gift his talents to his fraternity brothers. In 1785, the composer penned Masonic Funeral Music for the service of two deceased members. There were plenty of high-minded intellectuals who appreciated Mozart's work.
