Symbol | Official Item

The bog turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii) was designated the official state reptile of New Jersey on June 18, 2018. All State Reptiles

The endangered bog turtle was championed by 4th-grade students at Riverside Elementary School who lobbied New Jersey legislators for two years (guided by their science teacher Mark Eastburn). Students hope the state's reptile symbol will help efforts to restore habitat and allow threatened and endangered species to once again thrive in New Jersey.

The Kentucky long rifle was designated as the official gun of the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 2013.

Steam locomotive #152, a 4-6-2 Light Pacific, formerly of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad (L&N) and restored to operation by the volunteer members of the Kentucky Railway Museum, was designated as the official steam locomotive of the Commonwealth of Kentucky effective July 14, 2000. All Railroad & Vehicle Symbols

Say's firefly (Pyractomena angulata) was designated the official state insect of Indiana on March 23, 2018, due to the perseverance of Cumberland Elementary School students in West Lafayette. All State Insects

Oregon designated the Happy Canyon Indian Pageant and Wild West Show as the official outdoor pageant and wild west show in 2011. Oregon also recognized an official statehood pageant in 1987.  All State Holidays & Events

Oregonite and josephinite were designated the official twin minerals of Oregon in 2013 to promote education through the earth sciences, encouraging curiosity and study. Oregonite and Josephinite are found only in Oregon in the United States. All State Minerals

Senate Concurrent Resolution 14

WHEREAS oregonite and josephinite were first discovered as nuggets in Josephine Creek in Josephine County, Oregon; and

West Virginia designated the northern red salamander (Pseudotriton ruber) as the official state amphibian in 2015. All State Amphibians

Most are familiar with Hawaii's nickname (The Aloha State), but Hawai'i legislation has actually defined "Aloha Spirit" as; "the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. In the contemplation and presence of the life force, "Aloha", the following unuhi laula loa may be used:

"Akahai", meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness;

Tupelo honey was designated the official Florida state honey on March 16, 2016, when Governor Rick Scott signed HB 7007.  All State Foods

Tupelo honey is collected from beehives placed on elevated platforms along the Chipola and Apalachicola rivers of the Florida panhandle. During April and May, the bees harvest nectar from the blossoms of tupelo trees growing along the rivers and surrounding swamps. This area is the only place in the world that produces tupelo honey commercially.

Virginia designated "Song of the Mountains" as the official state television series on March 16, 2017 because the program promotes and preserves the music, heritage, and culture of Virginia.