Pomham Rocks Lighthouse Announces Charity License Plate

Attention, East Providence residents! A special license plate can now be ordered that pays tribute to your city’s iconic landmark – Pomham Rocks Lighthouse. Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse is now accepting orders for this commemorative license plate. Pre-orders can be made at their website, pomhamrockslighthouse.org. 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 historical light station.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this plate to lighthouse lovers throughout the state,” noted Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse Chair Dennis Tardiff. Designed by Board Members Alex Dias and Anne Greene, the plate is available for up to six-digit registrations. The license plate was designed to accept all types of vehicle registrations. The non-profit is currently only accepting passenger registrations at this time. However, if there is enough interest, other vehicle types will be opened up for pre-orders.

“We are excited to finally begin the pre-order process,” stated Pomham Rocks Lighthouse Vice Chair Alex Dias. 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.

Proceeds from the sale of plates will be used to fund restoration projects, including replacement of the wooden dock built in 1939, which was damaged by last winter’s storm surge 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 Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, to that address.

A minimum of 600 plate sets needs to be ordered before production can begin. 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 upper Narragansett Bay.