Notice a symbol. Find its source.
Massachusetts fact file
A state symbol is something officially chosen to represent the state. Use the state’s own records to check a claim.
Where do official facts come from?
The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Kids’ Zone explains state symbols and their histories. Some became official after schoolchildren shared ideas with lawmakers.
Open the official Massachusetts facts page ↗Read the Ladybug Story ↗- State bird
- Black-capped chickadee
- State flower
- Mayflower / trailing arbutus
- State tree
- American elm
- State insect
- Ladybug
- State dog
- Boston terrier
- State berry
- Cranberry
- State dinosaur
- Podokesaurus holyokensis
- State colors
- Blue, green, and cranberry
Be a fact checker
Pick a symbol. Find its adoption date on the official page. Then explain how an official designation differs from an animal, plant, or tradition simply being popular in Massachusetts.
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