Yale Secret Societies Walking Tour: New Haven's 7 Tombs & Hidden History

Seven society tombs, one afternoon of insider stories

A 90-minute guided walking tour of Yale University's seven secret society headquarters in New Haven, where you visit the iconic "tombs" and learn the history, traditions and notable members tied to each organization from an expert guide. The tour moves at a steady pace through campus and nearby streets, so it suits anyone curious about Yale's hidden culture but not ideal for travelers with mobility concerns or spinal issues.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Yale's secret society tombs

• Visit first secret society headquarters
• See second senior society building
• View Manuscript Society headquarters
• Learn about oldest senior society
• Visit Berzelius Society home
• Explore another historic society building
• View Scroll and Key society home

The experience

You'll start at one of Yale's most famous secret societies and work through six others, each with its own building, nickname and role in campus lore. The guide walks you past the distinctive architecture of each "tomb" (some ornate, some austere), and fills in the stories: which society counts presidents and CEOs among its alumni, which one ties to the arts, which to science. Seven stops means you're not lingering long at any one spot, so the pace keeps moving and the whole thing fits into an afternoon without feeling rushed.

An expert guide leads the entire route, speaking English and offering the kind of detail you wouldn't find on a plaque or a website. You'll hear about traditions that have lasted decades, the role these societies play in Yale's student life, and why certain buildings became landmarks in their own right. The walking route stays on public streets and campus paths, so you're moving through New Haven's real geography, not a cordoned-off tour zone.

What’s included

• Expert guide in English leading the entire 90-minute route.
• access to view all seven society headquarters from the outside.
• stories and historical context about each organization's traditions, notable members and place in Yale's culture.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturday and SundayDepartures at 10:00 and 12:00

AgesAdult (18 to 50 years) · Senior (51 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Onda Healing Arts

Is this one for you?This is a shared guided tour, so you move with a group at the guide's pace and stop where the guide stops: ideal if you want the history and context without doing your own research, but not suited for self-guided exploration or for anyone who needs frequent breaks or has difficulty walking for sustained periods.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the Yale secret societies tour take?

The tour runs 90 minutes from start to finish, covering all seven society headquarters on foot through New Haven and the Yale campus.

What are the "tombs" at Yale, and why do they have that name?

The tombs are the headquarters buildings of Yale's secret societies, each with its own history and architectural style. The nickname comes from the fortress-like or windowless appearance of some of the older buildings, which gave them a tomb-like quality.

Will I learn about specific secret societies on this tour?

Yes. The tour visits seven of Yale's most famous senior societies, including Scroll and Key, Berzelius, and Manuscript Society, and the guide shares the traditions, origins and notable members connected to each one.

Is this tour suitable if I have mobility issues or difficulty walking?

The tour involves 90 minutes of continuous walking through New Haven streets and campus paths. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, and there are no vehicle stops or rest periods built into the route.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes the expert guide for the full 90 minutes. No meals, drinks or entry fees to private buildings are part of the package.