Robert Heronimus, visual artist and author, has written most readable book on influences of secret societies upon formation of the United States.  In 2006 book, “Found Fathers, Secret Societies,” Heronimus summarizes influence of Freemasons, Illuminati and Rosicrucians, but also of Iroquois Nation upon our country.   A book summary at secretdestiny.org supplied below: 

“All children growing up in America learn who the Founding Fathers were. Most, however, never learn of the founders’ connections to the Freemasons, the Rosicrucians, and other esoteric orders. In Founding Fathers, Secret Societies, Robert Hieronimus investigates these important connections-as well as the founders’ connections to the League of the Iroquois-and how the influence of these groups can be traced throughout our most significant national documents and symbols, especially the Great Seal. He reveals in detail how the reverse of the Great Seal, which appears on the back of the one-dollar bill, is a blueprint that conveys the secret destiny of America. In decoding the symbolic meaning of the Great Seal’s reverse, we discover the unique opportunities our current era presents for achieving our Founding Fathers’ spiritual vision.”

You may hear more directly from Heronimus in Aeon Byte Gnostic Radio interview. A fascinating description of long struggle by author that began in the sixties to get more information from government about Great Seal of the United States.  Heronimus reveals turning point was 1978 book by Richard S. Patterson and Richardson Dougall, “The Eagle and the Shield.”

The present writer bought book for views of  Founding Fathers on secret societies.  Views of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson on secret societies, especially toward Illuminati, are must read stuff!  An essential history book from an amazing man, Heronimus also painted the Woodstock Bus, album cover for Jimi Hendrix and many murals in Baltimore, MD area in diverse career.  Heronimus embodies New Paradigm movement. Wow!