
National Massachusetts Day on August 17th recognizes the first New England colony and the sixth state to join the Union. Named after the indigenous people who populated the area when explorers (and later the pilgrims) first arrived, Massachusetts became an incubator for independence, education, and industry.
Cradle of Liberty
It should come as no surprise that the state earned the name of Cradle of Liberty. After all, Massachusetts hosted the founding of the Sons of Liberty and the Boston Tea Party. The list of notable names from history grows long from Massachusetts. Of course, their stories and the historic events leading up to the founding of a country make for fascinating tales.
Patriots come to mind first, but don’t stop there! Poets, inventors, authors, politicians, architects, activists, athletes and those who have managed the amazing. It’s much too long for these pages. So, we encourage you to explore them further during National Massachusetts Day!
With her numerous bays and abundant shorelines, Massachusetts offers many seaside escapes. Discover mountain exploration inland, and for those who seek urban adventure, encounter adventures there, too. Everywhere you go, there’s history, beauty, and perhaps a bit of an adjustment to the New England language. Either way, dive into the food, the past and the future of Massachusetts.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMassachusettsDay
During National Massachusetts Day, explore all the adventures, history and more the state has to offer. Share your favorites by using #NationalMassachusettsDay on social media.
Massachusetts Flavor
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Boston Cream Pie
Cranberry Juice
Corn Muffin
Cod
Fried Clams
Fluffernutter
Boston Cream donut
Clam Chowder
Cranberry
Massachusetts Day Flavor
We’ll start with the obvious when the topic of Massachusetts food comes to the table: Boston Cream Pie. What other states would this layered, hot milk cake hail from? Well, to be specific, it was created in 1856 in the kitchen of the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston and is still made there today.
Next, we turn to the salty sweet combination of Fluffernutter. A blended combination of marshmallow fluff and peanut butter, Fluffernutter became a household name in New England in the 1960s.
On July 3, 1916, Lawrence and Bessie Woodman fried the first clam at their roadside concession stand in Essex, Massachusetts. The rest, as they say, is history. Massachusetts has been in love ever since. Speaking of clams, don’t forget the chowder.
For those who like a less fishy flavor of the sea, cod is the way to go. Massachusetts celebrates the Sacred Cod. A notable cape is named after it. Also, it’s their state fish.
Finally, and tastefully, Massachusetts is one of five states known to grow cranberries. It’s their state berry and juice, too! Of course, each state has a wide list of favorite combinations of flavors. Share with us your Massachusetts favorites!
Massachusetts State Symbolism
State Capital – Boston
State Nickname – The Bay State
State Motto – Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem
State Bird – Black – Capped Chickodee
State Flower – Mayflower
State Animal –
State Folk Dance – Square Dance
State Fish – Cod
State Dessert – Boston Cream Pie
State Fossil – Dinosaur Tracks
State Mineral – Babingtonite
State Tree – American Elm
State Song – All Hail to Massachusetts
State Gemstone – Rhodonite
State Folk Hero – Johnny Appleseed
State Heroine – Deborah Samson Shurtleff
State Insect – Ladybug
Notable People
Squanto- Native American Guide – (c.1585 – November 1622)

by Ann Byers (Author)
Benjamin Franklin – Founding Father – (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790)

by H. W. Brands (Author)
John Hancock- Patriot – (January 23, 1737 – October 8, 1793)

by Harlow Giles Unger (Author)
Eli Whitney – Inventor – (December 8, 1765 – January 8, 1825)

Susan B. Anthony – Activist – (February 15, 1820 – March 13, 1906)

by Alma Lutz (Author)
Theodore Seuss Geisel – Author – (March 2, 1904 – September 24, 1991)

by Brian Jay Jones (Author)

by Dr. Seuss (Author)

by Dr. Seuss (Author), Random House (Illustrator)
John F. Kennedy -President – (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963)

George H. W. Bush – President – (June 12, 1924 -)

by James Mann (Author), Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. (Editor), & 1 more
Donna Summer – Singer/Songwriter – (December 31, 1948 – May 17, 2012)

by Marc Eliot (Author), Donna Summer (Author) Format: Kindle

One of my favorites.
Emeril Lagasse – (October 15, 1959 -)

Season 1

by Emeril Lagasse (Author)
Martha Ballard – Midwife – (1735 – May 1812)

by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich (Author)
Hidden Treasures
Salem Witch House – Salem Hammond Castle Museum – Glouster Franklin Park’s Overlook Shelter Ruins – Boston (See National Connecticut Day Notable People, Frederick Olmsted for more information). Fort Standish – Hull Dr. Seuss Museum – Springfield
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