Flag of Massachusetts: Difference between revisions

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In 1892, Commodore Gerry’s yacht flew a state flag that was described as “a white flag bearing the state coat of arms”. Upon seeing the flag, state governor [[William E. Russell (politician)|William E. Russell]] wanted a copy. Russell traveled throughout the state asking for one. When he finally got to [[Adjutant general|Adjutant General]] Dalton, he was informed that there was a flag stored in [[Fort Warren (Massachusetts)|Fort Warren]]. The flag was later sent to the Governor on board the ”America.”<ref name=”:1″>{{Cite web |title=The Herald Democrat September 18, 1892 — Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection |url=https://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=THD18920918.2.83&srpos=297&e=–1859—1939–en-20–281–img-txIN%7CtxCO%7CtxTA-flag+coat+arms——-0—— |access-date=2025-08-13 |website=www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org}}</ref><ref name=”:2″>{{Cite web |title=The Colorado Daily Chieftain August 8, 1893 — Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection |url=https://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=CFT18930808-01.2.76&srpos=222&e=–1859—1939–en-20–221–img-txIN%7CtxCO%7CtxTA-flag+coat+arms——-0—— |access-date=2025-08-13 |website=www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org}}</ref>

[[File:Flag_of_Massachusetts.png|thumb|143x143px|Proposed state flag from 1937<ref>[https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn98026438/1939-04-21/ed-1/?sp=9&q=state+flag The Brooksville sun, April 21, 1939]</ref>]]

In 1896, delegates from the state traveled to [[Indianapolis]] to show support to presidential candidate [[Grover Cleveland]]. They carried with them a “state banner”.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Humanities |first=National Endowment for the |date=1896-09-03 |title=The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, September 03, 1896, Image 1 |url=https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn99062034/1896-09-03/ed-1/seq-1/#date1=1756&sort=relevance&rows=20&words=banner+flags+state&searchType=basic&sequence=0&index=5&state=&date2=1963&proxtext=state+flag+banner&y=0&x=0&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=14 |access-date=2025-05-13 |issn=2640-5210}}</ref> It is unknown when it was made and what the design was.

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==Attempts to change the flag==

[[File:Flag_of_Massachusetts.png|thumb|200px|Two protesters wearing cuckoo bird costumes hold a mock state flag, 1939]]

⚫

~~[[File:Erroneous~~ ~~flag~~ ~~of Massachusetts (2022).svg|thumb|A~~ flag ~~that~~ was incorrectly displayed as the Massachusetts state flag on a fake “Refugee Benefits” brochure distributed to the [[Martha’s Vineyard migrant airlift|Martha’s Vineyard migrants]] in 2022. It had originally been designed by Will Bodine in 2020, as a proposed flag for Massachusetts. The flower on the shield is a [[epigaea repens|mayflower]], the official state flower, while the six stars represent Massachusetts’ status as the sixth state to join the Union.{{cite web |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/09/21/metro/how-did-an-image-fake-massachusetts-flag-end-up-brochure-marthas-vineyard-migrants/#:~:text=While%20it%20remains%20unclear%20who,rather%20than%20the%20real%20one. |title=How did an image of a fake Massachusetts flag end up in a brochure for Martha’s Vineyard migrants? |author=Spencer Buell |date=21 September 2022 |work=The Boston Globe |access-date=2 December 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.wcvb.com/article/baffles-me-mans-redesigned-massachusetts-state-flag-put-on-pamphlets-given-to-migrants-marthas-vineyard/41327851 |title=”Baffles me”: Man’s redesigned Massachusetts state flag put on pamphlets given to migrants |author= |date=22 September 2022 |work=WCVB |access-date=2 December 2023}}]]

In 1939, Massachusetts motorists staged a protest at the State House by dressing as cuckoo birds to criticize what they called “cuckoo taxation.” Their complaint centered on the state’s practice of diverting highway tax revenues to unrelated government uses, comparing it to the cuckoo bird laying its eggs in another bird’s nest and letting others bear the burden. As part of the demonstration, they offered to the legislators a mock “new state flag” featuring a cuckoo.<ref>[https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn98026438/1939-04-21/ed-1/?sp=9&q=state+flag The Brooksville sun, April 21, 1939]</ref>

[[File:Erroneous flag of Massachusetts (2022).svg|thumb|200px|Flag on a fake “Refugee Benefits” brochure, 2022]]

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flag was incorrectly displayed as the Massachusetts state flag on a fake “Refugee Benefits” brochure distributed to the [[Martha’s Vineyard migrant airlift|Martha’s Vineyard migrants]] in 2022. It had originally been designed by Will Bodine in 2020, as a proposed flag for Massachusetts. The flower on the shield is a [[epigaea repens|mayflower]], the official state flower, while the six stars represent Massachusetts’ status as the sixth state to join the Union.{{cite web |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/09/21/metro/how-did-an-image-fake-massachusetts-flag-end-up-brochure-marthas-vineyard-migrants/#:~:text=While%20it%20remains%20unclear%20who,rather%20than%20the%20real%20one. |title=How did an image of a fake Massachusetts flag end up in a brochure for Martha’s Vineyard migrants? |author=Spencer Buell |date=21 September 2022 |work=The Boston Globe |access-date=2 December 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.wcvb.com/article/baffles-me-mans-redesigned-massachusetts-state-flag-put-on-pamphlets-given-to-migrants-marthas-vineyard/41327851 |title=”Baffles me”: Man’s redesigned Massachusetts state flag put on pamphlets given to migrants |author= |date=22 September 2022 |work=WCVB |access-date=2 December 2023}}

===Special Comission (2021–2023)===

On January 11, 2021, Governor [[Charlie Baker]] signed a bill establishing a commission to change the state flag and [[Seal of Massachusetts|seal]] by October 1, 2021, that will “faithfully reflect and embody the historic and contemporary commitments of the Commonwealth to peace, justice, liberty and equality and to spreading the opportunities and advantages of education.”<ref>[https://changethemassflag.com/2021/01/12/governor-baker-signs-the-bill-establishing-a-special-commission-to-change-the-mass-flag-and-seal/ Governor Baker Signs the Bill Establishing a Special Commission to Change the Mass Flag and Seal]</ref> The bill was previously approved by the [[Massachusetts Senate]] on July 28, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mass. Senate OK’s bill reviewing controversial state seal, flag|url=https://www.boston.com/news/racial-justice/2020/07/28/mass-senate-oks-bill-reviewing-controversial-state-seal-flag/?p1=article_recirc_inline_feature|access-date=2021-12-02|website=www.boston.com|language=en-US}}</ref> The Special Commission on Massachusetts Flag and Seal (Special Commission to Investigate the Features of the Official Seal and Motto of the Commonwealth) first met in July 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=2021-07-17|title=After Six Month Delay, Special Commission on Massachusetts Flag and Seal to Meet Monday, July 19th.|url=https://changethemassflag.com/2021/07/17/after-six-month-delay-special-commission-on-massachusetts-flag-and-seal-to-meet-monday-july-19th/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-02|website=Change the Mass Flag|language=en|archive-date=Dec 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202075057/https://changethemassflag.com/2021/07/17/after-six-month-delay-special-commission-on-massachusetts-flag-and-seal-to-meet-monday-july-19th/}}</ref> In April 2022 the Commission voted to ask the state legislature to extend the deadline for completion of the commission’s work to March 31, 2023<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wgbh.org/news/politics/2022/04/19/commission-to-review-mass-state-seal-and-motto-struggling-to-get-the-job-done|title=Commission to review Mass. state seal and motto struggling to get the job done|first=Adam|last=Reilly|publisher=WGBH|date=19 April 2022|access-date=14 May 2022}}</ref>

In May 2022, the Commission recommended changing the seal, motto, and flag;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/05/18/metro/panel-recommends-replacing-massachusetts-seal-motto/ |title=Panel recommends replacing Massachusetts seal, motto |date=14 May 2022 |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> however the Commission failed to agree upon a proposal. With lawmakers not having extended the deadline past December 31, 2022, and the commission’s own deadline having expired at the end of March 2023, as well as [[UMass Amherst]] polling showing lukewarm support for a change, the issue appeared to be closed for the time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-15 |title=For Massachusetts, no news of a new state seal or motto |url=https://www.wgbh.org/news/politics/2022/11/15/for-massachusetts-no-news-of-a-new-state-seal-or-motto |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=News |language=en}}</ref> In 2023, the commission concluded without recommending specific replacements for either flag or seal, though the commission’s co-chair Brian Boyles stated that he and his colleagues had made significant progress on the issue.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wgbh.org/news/politics/2023-11-14/commission-to-rethink-state-seal-and-motto-concludes-with-no-specific-proposal-for-either | title=Commission to rethink state seal and motto concludes with no specific proposal for either | date=14 November 2023 }}</ref>

===~~Massachusetts~~ Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission===

===Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission===

On July 29, 2024, Governor [[Maura Healey]] signed a budget amendment to change the state flag, seal, and motto.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Detmold |first=David |date=2024-07-30 |title=Governor Signs Flag and Seal Amendment |url=https://changethemassflag.com/2024/07/30/governor-signs-flag-and-seal-amendment/ |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Change the Mass Flag |language=en-US}}</ref> Public proposals were invited during May and June 2025,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-09 |title=Massachusetts issues open call for new seal, flag and motto |url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2025/05/09/massachusetts-new-seal-flag-motto-submissions |access-date=2025-08-21 |website=www.wbur.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cristantiello |first=Ross |date=2025-05-12 |title=Mass. is seeking submissions for a new state seal, again |url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2025/05/12/mass-is-seeking-submissions-for-a-new-state-seal-again/ |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=www.boston.com |language=en-US}}</ref> resulting in 1,165 submissions.

U.S. state flag

The flag of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was adopted on March 18, 1908, and has only been changed once in 1971 with the removal of the reverse side. The flag features the coat of arms of the Commonwealth on a white field. The state currently has three official flags: a state flag, a governor’s flag, and a “naval and maritime flag” (despite it no longer having its own naval militia).

With Florida, it is one of only two state flags to prominently feature a Native American. The flag of Minnesota, also featured a Native American until 2024.

The 2023 Massachusetts General Laws, Part I, Title I, Chapter 2, § 3 defines that the flag of the Commonwealth shall consist of:

“a white rectangular field, bearing on either side a representation of the arms of the Commonwealth, except that the star shall be white”

Design of the coat of arms

[edit]

The coat of arms of Massachusetts contains:^[1]

Blue shield displaying
Native American holding a bow in one hand, and an arrow pointed downward in the other, all of gold
Silver five-pointed star
Arm wielding an upright broadsword, all of gold
Blue ribbon encircling the shield, bearing the motto “Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem” (“By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty”)

The current graphic form, based on earlier colonial and Revolutionary imagery, was drawn by artist Edmund H. Garrett and adopted in 1900.^[2] The figure on the shield, as standardized in 1890, is a composite whose head was modeled after the Ojibwe leader Thomas Little Shell.

Design and symbolism

[edit]

The shield is meant to depict an Algonquian Native American with bow and arrow; the arrow is pointed downward, signifying peace. However, the face of the figure is modelled on a photo of Ojibwe chief Thomas Little Shell.^[3] A white star with five points appears next to the figure’s head, signifying Massachusetts as a U.S. state. A blue ribbon surrounds the shield, bearing the state motto Ense Petit Placidam, Sub Libertate Quietem (“By the Sword We Seek Peace, But Peace Only Under Liberty”).^[4]

Above the shield is the state military crest: the bent arm holding a broadsword aloft. The sword has its blade up, to remind that it was through the American Revolution that liberty was won. The sword itself is a copy of one belonging to Myles Standish^[5] and signifies the philosophy that one would rather lose their right arm than live under tyranny.^{[citation needed]}^[6]

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has been represented by official but limited-purpose flags since 1676, though until 1908, it had no state flag to represent its government. A variant of the white flag with blue seal was carried by each of the Massachusetts volunteer regiments during the American Civil War alongside the National Colors. An exception were the two “Irish regiments” (the 9th and 28th Volunteers), each of which was permitted to carry an alternative green flag with a harp symbol.^[7]

In 1892, Commodore Gerry’s yacht flew a state flag that was described as “a white flag bearing the state coat of arms”. Upon seeing the flag, state governor William E. Russell wanted a copy. Russell traveled throughout the state asking for one. When he finally got to Adjutant General Dalton, he was informed that there was a flag stored in Fort Warren. The flag was later sent to the Governor on board the America.^[9]^[10]

In 1896, delegates from the state traveled to Indianapolis to show support to presidential candidate Grover Cleveland. They carried with them a “state banner”.^[11] It is unknown when it was made and what the design was.

When the official state flag was adopted on March 18, 1908,^[12]^[13] the flag had a reverse side that featured a green pine on a blue shield. In 1971, the reverse side was removed.^[7]

In 1917, the flag was used by Governor Samuel W. McCall as his personal flag.^[14]

Attempts to change the flag

[edit]

In 2022, a flag was incorrectly displayed as the Massachusetts state flag on a fake “Refugee Benefits” brochure distributed to the Martha’s Vineyard migrants in 2022. It had originally been designed by Will Bodine in 2020, as a proposed flag for Massachusetts. The flower on the shield is a mayflower, the official state flower, while the six stars represent Massachusetts’ status as the sixth state to join the Union.^[16]^[17]

Special Comission (2021–2023)

[edit]

On January 11, 2021, Governor Charlie Baker signed a bill establishing a commission to change the state flag and seal by October 1, 2021, that will “faithfully reflect and embody the historic and contemporary commitments of the Commonwealth to peace, justice, liberty and equality and to spreading the opportunities and advantages of education.”^[18] The bill was previously approved by the Massachusetts Senate on July 28, 2020.^[19] The Special Commission on Massachusetts Flag and Seal (Special Commission to Investigate the Features of the Official Seal and Motto of the Commonwealth) first met in July 2021.^[20] In April 2022 the Commission voted to ask the state legislature to extend the deadline for completion of the commission’s work to March 31, 2023^[21]
In May 2022, the Commission recommended changing the seal, motto, and flag;^[22] however the Commission failed to agree upon a proposal. With lawmakers not having extended the deadline past December 31, 2022, and the commission’s own deadline having expired at the end of March 2023, as well as UMass Amherst polling showing lukewarm support for a change, the issue appeared to be closed for the time.^[23] In 2023, the commission concluded without recommending specific replacements for either flag or seal, though the commission’s co-chair Brian Boyles stated that he and his colleagues had made significant progress on the issue.^[24]

Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission (2024–present)

[edit]

On July 29, 2024, Governor Maura Healey signed a budget amendment to change the state flag, seal, and motto.^[25] Public proposals were invited during May and June 2025,^[26]^[27] resulting in 1,165 submissions.

The Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission narrowed down the submissions to 48 semifinalists.^[28]

#3
#29
#38
#58
#70
#105
#110
#119
#130
#146
#171
#176
#193
#252
#272
#297
#317
#349
#354
#518
#542
#571
#734
#784
#788
#793
#804
#815
#816
#837
#858
#863
#865
#908
#917
#918
#928
#1018
#1022
#1056
#1074 (B)
#1141
#1151

The Commission publicized the final three flag proposals on August 28, 2025.^[29]

The Blue Hill Banner

According to this flag’s submitter: “This design is named, “The Blue Hill Banner,” and it has three major elements: The first element is a blue hill shape located on the hoist side of the flag. The shape symbolizes both the hilly terrain of the state and its indigenous namesake. The state was named for the Massachusett tribe, who’s [sic] name translates roughly to “at the great hill,” referring to a specific hill that is better known today as Great Blue Hill. The second element is a set of six blue and white waves stretching out from the hill toward the fly side of the flag. These represent the state’s vibrant coastal regions, and the number six commemorates Massachusetts’ being the sixth state to join the union. Lastly, the canton of the flag displays a golden eight-pointed star centered atop the hill. The star’s eight points echo the shape of a compass rose, honoring Massachusetts’ status as a maritime hub, and its location atop the hill alludes to a famous sermon given by John Winthrop before to the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Perhaps the most famous passage of this sermon asserts that “We must knit together in this work as one man…We must be willing to abridge ourselves of our superfluities for the supply of others’ necessities…For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us.” While much of the Eurocentric and imperialist ideas of Winthrop’s colonial era are regrettable and far outdated, the driving sentiments behind this passage – those of putting the needs of the many over the needs of the few – ring true to the principles that I hope will guide the modern state of Massachusetts.”^[29]

Mayflower

According to this flag’s submitter: “In the center of the flag is the state flower, the mayflower. The Mayflower is a powerful symbol of Massachusetts’ founding history, representing the arrival of the Pilgrim’s ship in 1620 and the establishment of Plymouth Colony. The five petaled flower also holds significance in Native American traditions. Indigenous peoples of the Northeast, including the Wampanoag and other Algonquian-speaking nations, used the plant for medicinal purposes. The shape of each petal is the exact shape of the shield on the current state flag, acknowledging the flag’s past. The bud of the mayflower is a six-pointed gold star. The six points represent Massachusetts admittance into the Union as the sixth state. Its gold color represents the golden dome of the Massachusetts State House. The dark blue background represents the deep waters off the coast of Massachusetts. Commonly referred to as the Bay State, Massachusetts has depended on them for sustenance throughout its history.”^[29]

Turkey Feathers

According to this flag’s submitter: “With this flag design, there are six feathers in a circle on a crimson color background. There are six as Massachusetts was the sixth state to join the union. Turkey feathers are often associated with health and well-being, and they are also a common symbol among the Massachusetts indigenous communities. They appear frequently in clothing and decoration, and play an important role in ceremonies and dances. A circle shape represents harmony and continuity. They face clockwise to symbolize progress/moving forward. The color crimson is often associated with education here in Massachusetts, as crimson is used as an official color by Arlington Public Schools, UMass Amherst, Harvard, and MIT.”^[29]

Naval and maritime flag

[edit]

In April 1776, the Massachusetts State Navy adopted, as its flag (naval ensign), a white field charged with a green pine tree and the motto “An Appeal to Heaven.” In 1971 the motto was removed, and the flag was designated “the naval and maritime flag of the Commonwealth”.^[30]

Massachusetts is one of only three states with its own maritime ensign. The second is Maine, which was part of Massachusetts until 1820. Third and last is South Carolina, which activated her navy twice: first during the American Revolutionary War and again during the American Civil War.

Flags associated with Massachusetts

[edit]

^ “Massachusetts General Laws, Part I, Title I, Chapter 2, Section 1 — Coat of Arms of Commonwealth”. Justia US Law. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
^ Garrett, E. H. (1901). “The Coat of Arms and Great Seal of Massachusetts”. The New England Magazine. XXIII (6). Boston: Warren F. Kellogg: 623–635.
^ “History”. November 26, 2018.
^ CIS: Latin Translation
^ Seal of the Commonwealth
^ CIS: State Symbols,
^ ^a ^b Smith, Whitney. “flag of Massachusetts”. Retrieved April 22, 2025.
^ “The Arvada Enterprise March 11, 1920 — Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection”. www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
^ “The Herald Democrat September 18, 1892 — Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection”. www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
^ “The Colorado Daily Chieftain August 8, 1893 — Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection”. www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
^ Humanities, National Endowment for the (September 3, 1896). “The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, September 03, 1896, Image 1”. ISSN 2640-5210. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
^ The Olneyville times, June 26, 1908
^ Springfield weekly Republican, September 6, 1906
^ Humanities, National Endowment for the (March 4, 1917). “Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, March 04, 1917, Image 14”. p. 14. ISSN 2331-9968. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
^ The Brooksville sun, April 21, 1939
^ Spencer Buell (September 21, 2022). “How did an image of a fake Massachusetts flag end up in a brochure for Martha’s Vineyard migrants?”. The Boston Globe. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
^ “‘Baffles me’: Man’s redesigned Massachusetts state flag put on pamphlets given to migrants”. WCVB. September 22, 2022. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
^ Governor Baker Signs the Bill Establishing a Special Commission to Change the Mass Flag and Seal
^ “Mass. Senate OK’s bill reviewing controversial state seal, flag”. www.boston.com. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
^ “After Six Month Delay, Special Commission on Massachusetts Flag and Seal to Meet Monday, July 19th”. Change the Mass Flag. July 17, 2021. Archived from the original on December 2, 2021. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
^ Reilly, Adam (April 19, 2022). “Commission to review Mass. state seal and motto struggling to get the job done”. WGBH. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
^ “Panel recommends replacing Massachusetts seal, motto”. Associated Press. May 14, 2022.
^ “For Massachusetts, no news of a new state seal or motto”. News. November 15, 2022. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
^ “Commission to rethink state seal and motto concludes with no specific proposal for either”. November 14, 2023.
^ Detmold, David (July 30, 2024). “Governor Signs Flag and Seal Amendment”. Change the Mass Flag. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
^ “Massachusetts issues open call for new seal, flag and motto”. www.wbur.org. May 9, 2025. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
^ Cristantiello, Ross (May 12, 2025). “Mass. is seeking submissions for a new state seal, again”. www.boston.com. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
^ “Round 2 Selections”. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Seal, Flag and Motto Advisory Commission. August 21, 2025. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d “Seal, Flag, and Motto Round Three Selections”. Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission. August 28, 2025. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
^ M.G.L. – Chapter 2, Section 3
^ ^a ^b David B. Martucci. “The New England Flag”. D. Martucci. Archived from the original on April 1, 2007. Retrieved July 25, 2008.
^ Historical Flags of Our Ancestors. “Flags of the Early North American Colonies and Explorers”. Loeser.is. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
^ “New England flags (U.S.)”. Crwflags.com. Retrieved November 7, 2008.

Design of the coat of arms

Design and symbolism

Attempts to change the flag

Special Comission (2021–2023)

Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission (2024–present)

Naval and maritime flag

Flags associated with Massachusetts

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