Flat Hat Club

The Flat Hat Club is one of the oldest collegiate secret societies in America. Founded in 1750 at the College of William and Mary, the Club's roots can be traced back to the college's fifth president, James Blair. The founding members of the Flat Hat Club aimed to "partake of a little enjoyment" and to "improve in useful knowledge." The club's name comes from its tradition of wearing a flat hat, a nod to the traditional headwear worn by scholars in colonial Virginia. The club's members were a mix of students and faculty, and membership was by invitation only. The Flat Hat Club quickly became a popular social organization on campus, and its influence spread beyond the college's walls in the years to come. The Flat Hat Club's members were leaders in many aspects of colonial Virginia society. Many became prominent politicians, lawyers, and judges. Notable members include Thomas Jefferson, George Wythe, and Peyton Randolph. The club's members were also influential in the founding of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, America's first academic honor society, at the College of William and Mary in 1776. Despite its rich history, the Flat Hat Club has remained shrouded in secrecy over the years. The club's rituals and traditions have remained largely unknown to outsiders, and its members have never revealed much about their activities. This has only served to enhance the club's mysterious reputation and make it even more desirable to potential members. The club's influence has waned in recent years, however. The changing landscape of American colleges and universities, with the rise of Greek organizations and other social clubs, has made it more difficult for groups like the Flat Hat Club to maintain their relevance. Today, the club is seen as more of a historical and cultural artifact than a living organization. Despite this, the Flat Hat Club remains an important part of the College of William and Mary's history and legacy. The club's members were instrumental in shaping colonial Virginia society and laying the foundations for America's academic honor societies. The club's traditions and values are still upheld by the school's faculty and students today, even if the club itself is no longer an active presence on campus. In many ways, the Flat Hat Club reflects the broader history and ethos of American higher education. It is a reminder of the importance that college and university social clubs have played in shaping America's cultural and intellectual development. As such, it is a valuable institution that deserves to be remembered and celebrated for its contributions over the centuries.