Symbol | Official Item

After petitioning from the schoolchildren of Massachusetts, the corn muffin (a staple of New England cooking) was recognized as the official state muffin of Massachusetts in 1986. All State Foods

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts designated the baked navy bean (also called pea bean, Boston bean, or Yankee bean) as the official state bean in 1993.

Cranberry juice was designated the official state beverage of Massachusetts in 1970 as a tribute to the great Massachusetts cranberry industry (cranberry is also the official state berry).

Two years of petitions and lobbying by a fifth-grade class on the North Shore were rewarded in 1994 when Massachusetts legislature recognized the cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) as the official state berry. Cranberry is also one of the official state colors of Massachusetts, and cranberry juice is the state beverage.

Adopted in 1885, the Massachusetts state seal displays the coat of arms of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, surrounded by the words "Sigillum Reipublicae Massachusettensis" (Latin for "Seal of the Republic of Massachusetts"). All State Seals

The flag of Massachusetts features the state's coat of arms against a field of white (on both sides of the flag). All State Flags

"The Bay State" is the most familiar nickname of Massachusetts (this nickname is featured on the U.S. Mint's bicentennial commemorative quarter representing Massachusetts). All State Nicknames

Residents of Massachusetts are called "Bay Staters" (this was made official by Massachusetts legislature on December 18, 1990). All Resident Names

The schooner Ernestina was designated the official vessel of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1994 (original name: the Effie M. Morrissey). Ernestina was also named a National Historic Landmark in 1990 by the United States Department of the Interior. She is owned by the state of Massachusetts and is part of the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. All State Vessels

The black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) was designated the state bird of Massachusetts in 1941 The black-capped chickadee is also the state bird of Maine. Massachusetts also recognizes an official state game bird.  All State Birds

The Boston terrier (Canis familiaris bostenensis) was designated the official state dog of Massachusetts in 1979 (Massachusetts also recognizes a state cat). All State Dogs & Cats