(BOSTON, February 6, 2026) —
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed legislation in July 2024 establishing a commission to review the state’s official seal, flag, and motto.
- Governor Healey signed a bill into law creating the Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission.
- The commission was established by an agreement reached in the Massachusetts Legislature.
- The commission’s work could lead to changes in the state’s official symbols.
Massachusetts now has a commission dedicated to reviewing its official symbols, following Governor Maura Healey’s signature of a bill into law in July 2024. The legislation, agreed upon by the Massachusetts Legislature, created the Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission.
Background and Context
State flags, seals, and mottos often evolve over time to reflect changing societal values and understandings. The Massachusetts seal, for example, features an Indigenous figure beneath a bent arm holding a sword, a design that has drawn criticism for its historical representation. The creation of this commission signals a formal process for considering potential updates to these symbols.
The commission’s formation comes amid a broader national conversation about the appropriateness of historical symbols, particularly those with ties to colonialism or oppression. Several other states have recently undertaken similar reviews of their official emblems.
Why It Matters
The establishment of the Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission represents a significant step toward a potential redesign of the state’s official symbols. This process allows for public input and a deliberate consideration of whether the current symbols accurately reflect the values and identity of modern Massachusetts. The commission’s recommendations, while not binding, will carry weight with the legislature and the governor as they consider any future changes.
The commission’s work could lead to a more inclusive and representative set of symbols for the Commonwealth, fostering a greater sense of unity and belonging among its diverse population.
