Press Release  Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission Announces Top Selections

Boston – The Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission today announced that it has advanced nine selections for a new state seal, flag, and motto, selected from more than 1,150 public submissions and identified through a rigorous review and scoring process. The selections – three in each category of seal, flag, and motto – will be presented for public review and comment at a series of six hearings this fall across the state and can be viewed here.  

“This process is an opportunity to educate, to listen, and to reflect on who we are as a Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Commission. “The public’s voice is essential, and will ensure that the final seal, flag, and motto represent the values, diversity, and lived experiences of all Massachusetts residents – past, present, and future.” 

“Massachusetts has long been defined by the power of place, from our history and culture to the communities that make our state so special,” said Kate Fox, Co-Chair of the Seal, Flag, and Motto Commission and Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “The new seal, flag, and motto will serve as symbols of welcome, reflecting Massachusetts as the front door to the world, where everyone is invited to share in our story.”  

The Commission held two subcommittee meetings to develop criteria for scoring rubrics to evaluate seal, flag, and motto submissions in the second round.  

The Commission will hold public hearings in September and October to provide an opportunity for residents, stakeholders, and community organizations to share their perspectives. The hearings aim to ensure that public feedback is fully considered in the decision-making process. By engaging directly with the public, the Commission aims to create a transparent and inclusive process for everyone. 

The Commission co-chairs also selected through a competitive procurement process the Boston-based Eastern Research Group (ERG) to design the state’s new state emblems. ERG has expertise in facilitating complex, community-driven design processes, and a strong record of engaging diverse stakeholders, as well as an ability to translate public input into designs that reflect shared history and values.  

The Commission invites residents to review the submissions and learn more about the process at www. https://www.mass.gov/sealflagmotto. Following the public hearings, the Commission will submit a final seal, flag, and motto recommendation as well as recommendations for how to adopt the new designs, including timelines, cost estimates, and educational efforts about Massachusetts and Indigenous history to the Governor, who may introduce legislation to officially adopt the new state symbols. 

Top 3 Seal Selections

Top 3 Motto Selections

• Multae voces, una res publica

  Many voices, One Commonwealth

• We honor all life guided by the First Light

• Bono publico laetamur

  We rejoice in the public good

Top 3 Flag Selections

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