Pomham Rocks Lighthouse License Plate Makes Its Debut

Saturday, October 5 marked a milestone for members of Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse. It was the day when Rhode Islanders who had pre-ordered Pomham’s commemorative charity plate received the newly-minted plate. Representatives of Rhode Island’s Division of Motor Vehicles joined volunteers from Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse at Haines Park, Riverside, to hand out the colorful plate. Designed by Friends’ Board Members Alex Dias and Anne Greene, the plate features the century-and-a-half-year-old island lighthouse in Riverside in its original red, white, green and gray hues, perched atop a rocky island, with a colorful blue, yellow and orange sunset background.

“It was extremely rewarding to guide this project through. Being able to see the smiles on everyone’s faces as we handed them their new Pomham plates makes volunteering to preserve Riverside’s last surviving lighthouse all the more fun," stated Pomham Rocks Lighthouse Vice Chair Alex Dias, who directed the project. 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.

The October license plate distribution was the culmination of a years-long effort. Four years ago, members of Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse were actively making plans for the lighthouse’s 150th anniversary in December 2021. One of the projects they pursued was the creation of a charity license plate to honor the life-saving role of this important maritime landmark. It took years to complete the process, from initial application, introduction of a bill in the state legislature, approval by both the RI House of Representatives and Senate, design of the plate and finally, production and distribution.

Rhode Islanders who did not pre-order plates can order them now from the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse website pomhamrockslighthouse.org or from the RI Division of Motor Vehicles. The cost is $42.50 for a set of plates, with $20 going to the volunteer organization to support restoration and preservation of the historical light station. "The Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse Board of Directors is extremely pleased with the support and enthusiasm of the community and the State of Rhode Island,” stated Dennis Tardiff, Chair of Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse. “The funds generated from our charity plate will go directly back to the continuing restoration and maintenance of the lighthouse," he added.

The plate is available for up to six-digit registrations. 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 picket fence.

Individuals 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.

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.