The image of a sword held over the head of a Native figure marks the Massachusetts state flag and seal, embellishing every state building and many more. The state motto, adopted in the 18th century from 17th century civil war republican Algernon Sidney, begins: “By the sword we seek peace.” (It ends “but peace only under liberty.”) Is it time to change these relics of heraldry and the 17th century? In this illuminating presentation, David Detmold of the Campaign to Change the Mass Flag, Elizabeth Solomon, elder of the Massachusett at Ponkapoag, and Brittney Whalley, Nipmuc, explain why they think it’s time for a change.
In contrast with many other states, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts uses its seal prolifically. In addition to its appearance on official legal documents, the seal of the commonwealth appears on the state flag, on our driver’s licenses, on every webpage of the state website, on state-generated public service announcements, and on the majority of materials generated by the state government and distributed to the public. So all residents of Massachusetts and our visitors encounter the seal and motto on a regular basis.
Elements of the Commonwealth’s seal and motto incorporate imagery first used in the 17th century by the earliest colonists of Massachusetts. Today, for the first time since the 1880s, there is serious consideration being given to the meanings, use, and broad social impacts of the current seal and motto of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. There are increasing calls to change both the seal and motto in order to mitigate harm and better reflect the contemporary values and aspirations of our citizens.
But what exactly are the problematic issues with the seal and motto, what are the histories behind them, and why is there a push to change them? How should we regard the images of the past? Can we change them without erasing history?
This presentation gives you the chance to consider these questions and more and to make up your own mind.
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David Detmold is the founding editor of the weekly independent newspaper, the Montague Reporter. He lives in Montague, where he served for 20 years as a member of the representative town meeting of Montague. Since 2018 he has coordinated the changethemassflag.com website.
Elizabeth Solomon is an enrolled member and elder of the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag. Ms. Solomon has a long-standing commitment to indigenous rights and community building. In this capacity she speaks frequently about local indigenous issues and serves on multiple advisory and management boards.
Brittney Peauwe Wunnepog Walley is a Nipmuc tribal member. Her advocacy work has included representing the Chaubunagungamaug Nipmuc and Hassanamisco Nipmuc. She served as a representative of the Hassanamisco Nipmuc during the work of the Special Commission on the Official Seal and Motto of the Commonwealth. She continues advocacy work as a public speaker, a member of the Massachusetts mascot steering committee, and as a weaver.
More information
Katharine Q. Seelye, "A State Wrestles With Its Imagery: A Sword Looming Over a Native American," New York Times, September 7, 2019
WBUR, interview with Brian Weedon, chair of the Mashpee Wampanoag, and co-chair of the 2022 special state commission reviewing the official flag and seal.
Note: Our events are a forum for different opinions, new findings, and discussion. The views expressed are those of the presenters, not necessarily that of the Partnership of Historic Bostons.
Image: Massachusetts flag. Change the Mass Flag campaign.
NOTE: The views expressed are those of the presenters and not necessarily those of the Partnership of Historic Bostons.