These, he conceived to be its educational institutions, its charitable endowments including Clarke, Hawley and Street funds, its many manufacturing interests, its prominence as the county seat embodying the idea of justice, the agricultural interests and its scenery.  

In the foreground of the seal, the Goddess of Knowledge is seen stepping down from the eminent station which has so long been hers in our midst to thank the maiden Charity for placing her there  At the side of the Goddess of Knowledge are seen various symbols of literature, art and science, including a lamp of learning, a globe and a retort.

The maiden Charity represented by the female figure to the left, points upward and disclaiming credit for herself, replies that she is inspired by a Higher law of generosity and goodness. 

Beneath these figures is the city motto "Caritas, Educato, Justitia"  (Charity, Education and Justice).   The idea of justice is further illustrated by the pair of scales lying across the motto ribbon.

The silk business, a prominent industry in the 1800's, and the manufacturing interests of the city are symbolically represented by the silk moths shown in the circle around the seal. In the left hand lower corner of this circle, a group of farm tools suggests the agricultural interests.

In the middle of the seal is a view of the city from Round Hill showing the college tower the Edwards Church spire, City Hall, the "Old Church", Belding's silk mill and in the background, the Oxbow and Mt. Tom.

Above the whole is the word "Northampton" in large letters while on the ribbon just below are the words "Nonotuck 1653, City 1884" indicating the dates of the first settlement and of incorporation as a city.  Those best posted in local history however, tell us that the first named date is one year too early and should be 1654.

The City Seal of Northampton is incorporated into the Police Department shoulder patch and badge.