In a world where the boundaries of wealth and power are increasingly penetrable, there remains a realm of exclusivity where time-honored traditions and secrecy are paramount.

This is the hidden world of old money clubs and societies, where America’s most influential families continue to mingle and exert their influence.

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Succession: Old Money vs. New Money Explained On TV: [ Ссылка ]

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TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 Introduction
1:18 1. How People Join Old Money Clubs and Societies
4:10 2. How “Old Money” Clubs and Societies Avoid “New Money”
8:52 3. The Most Exclusive and Influential Old Money Clubs and Societies
9:10 The Bohemian Club
9:43 Skull and Bones
10:16 The Metropolitan
10:42 The Knickerbocker Club
11:08 The Cosmos Club
11:34 4. The Influence and Impact of Old Money Clubs and Societies
12:57 5. The Dark Side of Old Money Clubs and Societies

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Since the very founding of the United States, social clubs and societies have held sway, their origins harkening back to the august gentlemen’s clubs that graced the streets of 18th-century London.

In America, old money clubs and societies blossomed as citadels of opulence and sophistication, providing a haven where affluent families could convene and safeguard their illustrious social standing.

Foremost among these families, the likes of the Astors, Vanderbilts, and Rockefellers wielded their influence and wealth, proving instrumental in th

Each of these venerable clubs and societies is steeped in a tapestry of unique traditions and rituals, weaving an air of enchantment and secrecy that serves to strengthen the ties that bind their members together, while shrouding these institutions in an aura of mystery.

Initiation ceremonies, passed down through generations, unfurl in a pageantry of elaborate rituals, rich in symbolism and resonant with history.

Though the specifics may vary from one club to another, several underlying principles govern the invitation and consideration of prospective members.

Chief among these is the pedigree of wealth and social prominence, often spanning generations.
These clubs and societies seek to admit individuals who not only possess substantial fortunes but also hail from families of established repute, their names etched in the annals of high society.

Another essential element in the invitation process is sponsorship. Prospective members must typically secure the endorsement of one or more current members, who vouch for their character and standing.

These sponsors, in turn, shepherd the candidate through the labyrinthine process of introduction, evaluation, and acceptance, often involving discreet inquiries and private deliberations among the club’s inner circle.

In many cases, clubs and societies also require a demonstration of achievement or distinction in one’s chosen field, be it in the arts, business, or public service.

For example, the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C., seeks members who have made noteworthy contributions to the arts, sciences, or public service, thereby fostering a community of intellectual discourse and enlightenment.

Additionally, adherence to the unwritten rules of decorum and discretion is paramount.
Members are expected to maintain the confidentiality of club affairs and uphold the highest standards of conduct both within and outside the club’s walls.

Once these criteria have been met, a prospective member may be subjected to further scrutiny, such as interviews or informal gatherings with club members.

The final decision often rests in the hands of a select committee or the club’s governing body, who weigh the merits of the candidate and render their judgment.

Thus, the path to membership in these storied clubs and societies is an intricate tapestry of lineage, achievement, and discretion, navigated by those who seek to join the ranks of America’s old money elite.

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