I redesigned the flag of Massachusetts in 2022 with consultation from NAVA (North American Vexillological Association) members as part of their ongoing Flag Design Gauntlet meetings.
The Current Design
The current flag of Massachusetts is a typical American-style seal-on-a-bedsheet design, and as a result it is convoluted, unmemorable and uninspiring. In 2020, the flag came under scrutiny because the symbolism had links to colonial violence against indigenous Americans. In July 2020, the state senate voted unanimously to look into redesigning the state seal and flag. There is ongoing pressure with many towns endorsing a redesign of the flag. Therefore, here is my proposal.
My Proposals
I have two proposals:
- The shield concept is based on the current flag for local familiarity and recognition. It was most preferred by the NAVA members from Massachusetts.
- The Sons of Liberty concept is based on the flag of the Sons of Liberty, the group who instigated the Boston Tea Party. It was ranked number 1 in a public poll of all Massachusetts flag redesigns.
For a quick summary, the gallery of designs is below. For an extensive read, scroll down and expand each section to see more details for each flag, including high-resolution graphics, commentary, mock-ups, construction sheets and vector file downloads.
Massachusetts Flag Designs
Explanation
First off, this design is simple enough to be remembered by a child, yet distinctive enough to be identified at a distance. It is directly based on the current flag to aid recognition, establish continuity and promote acceptance among the public. The NAVA members from Massachusetts noted that their state’s residents are quite attached to the colours and shapes in the current design and would resonate with a similar flag.
This design’s central feature is the pine tree, a symbol of the New England region, shipbuilding, peace and brotherhood. This symbol has been in use for hundreds of years by indigenous people (featured on the Hiawatha Belt), English colonists (featured on coinage) and independent Americans (featured on flags and coinage).
The blue shield and white star are carried over from the current flag. The shield represents the long history of the state. The star represents Massachusetts’ status as a US state by reflecting the stars on the American national flag.
Gold represents prosperity. White represents peace, the coastline and snow. Blue represents the sea, maritime history, the official nickname “The Bay State” and the Blue Hills, after which the state is indirectly named. The scheme has been retained from the current flag.
Mock-ups
Mock-ups of the proposed flag of Massachusetts (shield concept)
Construction sheet (multi-part)
Vector file download
Explanation
First off, this design is simple enough to be remembered by a child, yet distinctive enough to be identified at a distance. It is based on the flag of the Sons of Liberty, the group who instigated the Boston Tea Party, to represent the rich history and impact of the state.
This design also features the pine tree, a symbol of the New England region, shipbuilding, peace and brotherhood. This symbol has been in use for hundreds of years by indigenous people (featured on the Hiawatha Belt), English colonists (featured on coinage) and independent Americans (featured on flags and coinage).
Red represents passion and sacrifice. White represents peace, the coastline and snow. Green represents the forests.
Commentary
This design was ranked number 1 in a public poll of all Massachusetts flag redesigns (poll conducted by the U.S. State Flags Facebook group).
Mock-ups
Construction sheet (multi-part)
Vector file download
🙏🏻 Acknowledgements
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Thanks to the members from Massachusetts for their valuable input, Joe Gorman for organising the meetings, and everyone else who participated in discussions. Thanks also to all the fans who encouraged the submission of these flags to the state commission.
Proposed flag of Massachusetts (2009)
Brian Cham's personal website 