Fortson's Signs, Symbols, and Secret Societies: Scroll & Key

For listeners of the Ninth House series looking to discover the real history behind the Scroll and Key secret society....

The history of American collegiate secret societies is often dominated by the legends of Yale University. Among the triumvirate of elite senior organizations, Scroll and Key stands as a peculiar and powerful entity. Founded in 1842, it was the second society to be established at Yale, following the lead of Skull and Bones. While it was born out of a dispute regarding the election process of its predecessor, Scroll and Key quickly evolved into a distinct institution with its own unique philosophy, rituals, and influence. To understand Scroll and Key is to understand a specific segment of the American power structure, characterized by a commitment to the arts, letters, and a refined sense of social responsibility that differs significantly from the starker, more militaristic reputation of other organizations.

The society emerged during a period of intense intellectual and social flux at Yale. The mid 19th century was a time when the university was transitioning from a strictly theological training ground into a broader center for liberal arts. Within this environment, students sought avenues for expression and association that the formal curriculum could not provide. The founding members of Scroll and Key, often referred to as the "Kheshshaba," sought to create a space that emphasized fellowship and aesthetic appreciation. Their goal was not merely to form a club, but to build a lasting brotherhood that would persist far beyond their undergraduate years. This sense of permanence is reflected in the society’s architectural presence on campus, specifically its "tomb," a structure designed to be both imposing and inscrutable to the uninitiated.