HALLOWELL — In celebration of the Maine State Bicentennial, The Harlow, in partnership with the Vaughan Woods & Historic Homestead, seeks a modern interpretation of the original Maine state seal ...

One, sponsored by Rep. Sean Paulhus, D-Bath, would remove the state seal altogether and restore the original Maine flag – the 1901 version that features a green pine tree and blue North Star set ...

In November, voters will be asked if Maine should change its state flag. The current flag is based on the Maine state seal, which accompanied an 1820 law, and has been in place since 1909.

Dueling Maine flags: A stylized version of the original, left, which some are advocating be adopted, and the current flag, which bears the Maine state seal. Courtesy photo, left, and photo by Fred ...

Shettleworth says the flag in its current form dates back to 1820. That’s when Maine split from Massachusetts and adopted its own state seal.

June 9, 1820: The Maine Legislature adopts the design of the state seal about three months after Maine becomes the 23rd state. Designed by committee – a foreboding circumstance in itself – the ...

June 9, 1820: The Maine Legislature adopts the design of the state seal about three months after Maine becomes the 23rd state. Designed by committee – a foreboding circumstance in itself – the ...