Perhaps the world's most secretive group, the Freemasons wear archaic accessories, flash mysterious hand signs, perform secret initiation rituals, and build imposing buildings the public can't enter. Throw in the fact that 14 U.S. presidents have been members and it is no wonder people have been alternately curious and suspicious of the brotherhood.

The Masons have been rife with conspiracy theories since their modern beginnings in London in 1717. The Freemasons deny all spurious allegations and say the craft's only conspiracy is working together to become better men and improve society through service and philanthropy. But no matter how often Masons insist only a small part of what they do is under wraps, the scent of secrecy breeds rumors