America's Secret Societies: The Benevolent Brotherhood

New Haven, Connecticut. Secrets. Secret societies get a bad rap, and with good reason. We don't know much about them, but what we do know isn't good. Stealing bodies, manipulating the government, worshipping Satan, the creepiest and most unconventional things you can think of. Just the words, secret society, makes your imagination run wild, with the worst possible outcomes. And while it may be true in some cases, not all secret societies work like that. TIMELINE 1865: a conflict that pitted the Union against the Confederacy, composed of states that had ceded from the Union. 1875: America seemed to be moving toward recovery from the trouble of the last few years. 1900: membership statistics showed a strong presence in several states, with Pennsylvania leading with over 62 members. 1949: thanks to Brother Francis Walter, who was not only a congressman, but also a proud member of the Order. WHY THIS MATTERS The story of New Haven is a reminder that the events that shaped America didn't always happen in the biggest cities. What unfolded here left marks on the community that are still visible today. The full story is more complicated, and more human, than the version most people know. Episode 151 | Hometown History | Hosted by Shane Waters If you liked this: Episode 190 (Hazardville, Connecticut) Hometown History explores forgotten stories from small-town America. The overlooked events, hidden triumphs, and buried tragedies that shaped the country we live in. New episodes every Tuesday. Find every episode at mythsandmalice.com/hometown-historyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy