SEPTEMBER 4, 2025 — Massachusetts is moving forward with the selection of a new state flag, narrowing the field to three distinctive finalists last week, reports CBS News.
The current initiative is part of a broader reevaluation of the state’s symbols, driven by the need to move away from the long-criticized imagery linked to colonial history and to celebrate a more inclusive vision of the Commonwealth.
According to the designer, the first flag finalist, known as “The Blue Hill Banner,” features a prominent blue hill on the left, echoing the meaning of the word “Massachusetts,” which is believed to translate as “at the great hill.” Six blue and white waves flow from the hill across the flag, representing both the state’s coastal geography and Massachusetts’ status as the sixth state to join the union. Capping the hill is a golden eight-pointed star that doubles as a compass rose, a symbol chosen to underscore the state’s maritime traditions and its historical role as a point of navigation and origin for its people.
The second proposed design brings the state flower, the mayflower, to the forefront, set against a deep blue background. The mayflower is not only symbolic of Pilgrim history but also of Indigenous traditions, as the plant has been used medicinally by local Native communities. The petals of the mayflower have been shaped to mimic the iconic shield from the current flag, creating a visual bridge between old and new. At the centre of the blossom sits a six-pointed gold star, referencing Massachusetts’ place in the Union and the golden dome of the State House, while the background’s colour speaks to the state’s storied maritime environment.
The third finalist is a crimson flag adorned with six turkey feathers arranged in a circle. This design prominently incorporates Indigenous motifs, as turkey feathers hold significant meaning within Massachusetts’ Indigenous communities, frequently appearing in local art and ceremonies. The crimson colour, popularized by major educational institutions in the state such as Harvard and UMass Amherst, further connects the flag to Massachusetts’ reputation as an academic leader. The feathers themselves symbolize unity, harmony, and Massachusetts’ place as the sixth state, while their arrangement in a circle evokes the ideals of progress and continuity that the new flag aims to embody.
The next phase will see the three finalist flag designs presented at six public hearings across Massachusetts, where residents can share feedback and opinions. After collecting public input, the Advisory Committee may refine the designs before recommending a final version to Governor Maura Healey for approval.
