Halifax County commissioners today agreed to give the public input on a new seal which reflects the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Halifax Resolves as well as the birth of the United States.

Deputy County Manager Christina Wells said the new design was commissioned by the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau in conjunction with other marketing material to promote the 250th. “It follows the same theme as most of the semiquincentennial marketing. The proposed seal clearly notes Halifax County as being the first for freedom and home of the Halifax Resolves.”

Wells said the current seal has served the county well but can be historically confusing as it features the historic Burgess Law office, which was once known as the Constitution House although the Resolves were never signed or discussed there. “It can be a little difficult for people to understand.”

Instead of a house, the proposed seal features a quill, which was the writing instrument of the time. “You’ve all heard the phrase the pen is mightier than the sword. Definitely in this case, the pen was mightier than the sword. It was the first official action and that is hugely significant not only for our county and our state, but nationwide. This really marks us as the center for American independence.”

Wells, in answering a question by Commissioner Chenoa Davis, said the county could change back following the 250th anniversary commemorations. “We would like to be very purposeful in what we’re promoting for our county.”

The blue in the field of the seal is in line with the color of the other marketing materials as well as the blue in the American flag, Wells said.

County Manager Dia Denton said the semiquincentennial commission has been looking at this seal, which would be in line with commemorative North Carolina state license plates which would be in the same color scheme. “It would be consistent across. We are just about to the finishline to get those ready. I think they’ll be quite popular but it will be a consistent color scheme in everything throughout.”

Wells said the new seal would serve the county nicely from a marketing perspective, especially with the planned addition of a quill sculpture that would go near the document circle at the Historic Courthouse on King Street in the county seat.

Commissioner Carolyn Johnson asked whether the public would have an opportunity to make suggestions.

Wells said the organizers would like to get it done within the next six to 12 months so it could be in place before April 12, 2026.

Commissioners agreed to hold the public meeting during its December 2 meeting at 9:30 a.m.