Andover Surveys Residents On Potentially Changing Town Seal

ANDOVER, MA — Andover is surveying residents on the town seal as part of a review of the seal's use of an image of a Native American.

The town launched the review around the launch of the 375th Anniversary Committee last winter, in response to some resident concerns about the imagery. Massachusetts is also reviewing its state seal for the same reason.

The current town seal was adopted in 1951, based on artwork from the town's 250th anniversary in 1896, the town said. The original town seal, adopted in 1851, was much simpler, consisting of words and small stars.

"The Town of Andover recently established a Town Seal Review Committee," the town said. "The Committee’s charge is to review the current town seal and solicit public input to assist with developing recommendations that may result in modifications to the Town Seal."

The survey, available here, will help guide the committee, the town said. It asks residents about their familiarity with the seal, their views on it and more.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.