Minnesota residents encouraged to submit designs for state flag and seal

Julie Buntjer, The Daily Globe, Worthington, Minn.
·2 min read

Oct. 10—WORTHINGTON — Minnesota residents are invited to submit ideas for the next state flag and seal. The State Emblems Redesign Commission is accepting public submissions on its website, mnhs.org/serc, through Oct. 30.

All entries must be original and follow the guidelines outlined by the State Emblems Redesign Commission. Participants must be 18 years of age or older or have their submissions entered by a parent or legal guardian. Each eligible person may submit up to three designs for the state flag and up to three designs for the state seal.

Anita Gaul, history instructor at Minnesota West Community & Technical College, Worthington, serves as vice-chairperson of the commission. She was appointed by Gov. Tim Walz, and elected vice-chair during the commission's first meeting in September.

"I am honored to serve on this commission because, as an historian, I am excited to be part of this historic process," shared Gaul earlier this week. "Additionally, I think it is important for rural Minnesota to have a voice at the table. I want to make sure rural Minnesotans are aware this is happening and have the opportunity to be a part of it."

Gaul said Minnesotans have a chance to be a part of history, and she and commission members are excited to see what designs are submitted.

"We know there are many creative people out there who have great ideas for the flag and seal," she said. "We encourage as many people as possible to submit their designs."

Gaul encourages not only adults, but youths as well to submit designs for the state flag and state seal.

"A parent or guardian simply needs to assist them in filling out the submission form, which can be done online or through the mail," she said. "I know some school teachers are having their students draw and submit ideas, as well as after school programs in the region. Everyone has a chance to submit; no one will be left out of the process."

All submissions are due Oct. 30 via email, or must be postmarked by 11:59 p.m. Oct. 30 if mailed in. Mail submissions can be sent to the address listed at mnhs.org/serc.

Gaul said once the submission period closes, the commission will begin work to review all of the entries and narrow them down to five finalists each for the state flag and state seal. The commission will select one design (or a modified version) to be used as the basis for each emblem.

"It will likely be challenging work, but one we are looking forward to," shared Gaul.

The State Emblems Redesign Commission was established in the 2023 legislative session to develop and adopt a new design for the official state seal and a new design for the official state flag no later than Jan. 1, 2024.

The Minnesota Historical Society is providing administrative support to the State Emblems Redesign Commission.