14-05-2025
What should Massachusetts's state seal be? You can decide: state is seeking submissions
Massachusetts's current state seal, featuring an indigenous man underneath a sword-holding arm, may be on its way out.
After a couple efforts over the past few years, officials are once again trying to create a new state seal. Last week, the Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission, created in 2024, put out an open call for members of the public to submit their own proposals. It asks for design sketches or ideas for a new seal or flag, or motto proposals.
"This is an exciting moment for Massachusetts,' said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler in a press release. 'Our seal, flag, and motto should reflect not just our history, but the vibrant, diverse community we are today – and the future we are building together. I can't wait to see the creativity, ideas, and sense of belonging that people across Massachusetts will bring to this process."
The current Massachusetts state seal debuted in 1898. It features a Native American man on a blue shield with a star in the corner. Above the figure is a disembodied arm holding a sword.
Wrapping around the shield from below, is the state motto, 'ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem,' meaning, 'by the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.'
The state flag is a white banner with the seal in the middle.
Concrete efforts to change the state seal, motto and flag began in 2021. Critics say the symbols are racist: the sword above the Native American on the seal, they say, represents English colonists' cruelty to local tribes, and the motto of peace and liberty does not represent the experiences of Indigenous peoples in the area.
However, not everyone wants to change the state symbols: some on social media have expressed support for keeping it the same.
According to a state survey conducted by a previous commission in 2023, most preferred symbols for the revised seal included the shape of Massachusetts, the coast or shoreline, or right whales. Many also like the idea of the Mayflower and cranberries, and 30.2% want to keep a Native American or Indigenous person on the seal.
Those with ideas for the new state seal, flag or motto can submit their proposals online until June 18. Individuals or organizations can submit written ideas, visual sketches, or full design concepts, according to the website.
Then, the Advisory Commission will then select three options and hold at least three public hearings across the state to gather public input.
Finally, the Advisory Commission will select final designs for the seal, flag and motto and submit its recommendations to the governor by July 29, 2025.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: What should MA's state seal be? State asks for your submissions
