February 14, 2025

Pomham Rocks Lighthouse Charity License Plate

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Bright, colorful license plates depicting Pomham Rocks Lighthouse in Riverside at sunset are showing up all over the state. The first plates that were pre-ordered were distributed in person at Haines Park in October by the RI Division of Motor Vehicles.

The Lighthouse has been restored inside and out with historical accuracy. The onsite museum preserves the rich maritime heritage of our state. Visitors on summer boat tours can observe the antique Fresnel lens and climb to the top of the 42-foot tower for a panoramic view of Narragansett Bay.

Rhode Islanders who did not pre-order plates can order them now from the RI Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Unlike some other charity license plates, the Pomham Rocks plate is available for up to six-digit registrations. The cost is $42.50 for a set of plates, with $20 going to the volunteer organization to support restoration and preservation of the century-and-a-half-year-old lighthouse. The license plate was designed to accept all types of vehicle registrations. Only passenger registrations are being accepted at this time. However, if there is enough interest, other vehicle types will be considered

Proceeds from the sale of plates will be used to fund continued restoration and preservation projects, including replacement of the wooden dock built in 1939, which was damaged by storm surges in recent years and replacement of the chain-link fence surrounding the island with an historically accurate wooden picket fence.

Individuals can order plates directly on the DMV website at https://www.ri.gov/DMV/plate_remake/.  Those who do not have internet access can request a copy of the license plate application from Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, Attn: License Plate, P.O. Box 15121, Riverside, RI. 02915. A completed order form and copy of your registration can be mailed, with a check for $42.50, payable to RIDMV, to Division of Motor Vehicles Plate Office, 600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920. Your Pomham Rocks Lighthouse plates will be mailed to your home in six to eight weeks.

Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse is reaching out to all Rhode Islanders to support this unique state landmark. The Lighthouse was built in 1871 on a half-acre island off the coast of Riverside to protect mariners as the shipping traffic increased to the Port of Providence. It is the last surviving lighthouse of the five that once protected the Providence River and is listed on the National Register of Historic places.

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