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Rhode Islanders now have a new way to celebrate their maritime heritage and show pride in one of the state’s iconic landmarks. A special license plate commemorating the historic Pomham Rocks Lighthouse is now available for purchase.
In October 2024, drivers who pre-ordered the plates received them during a distribution event at Haines Park in Riverside. Volunteers from Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, alongside representatives from Rhode Island’s Division of Motor Vehicles, handed out the colorful plates. Designed by Alex Dias and Anne Greene of the Friends’ Board, the plate features the lighthouse in its original red, white, green, and gray hues against a vibrant sunset backdrop of blue, yellow, and orange.
“It was extremely rewarding to guide this project through,” said Alex Dias, Vice Chair of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse. “Seeing the smiles as we handed out the plates made all the hard work worthwhile.”
The commemorative plate is part of a broader effort to preserve the lighthouse, which has been meticulously restored to its historical splendor. Built in 1871 on a small island off the coast of Riverside, Pomham Rocks Lighthouse is the last of five lighthouses that once guided ships along the Providence River. Today, it also serves as a museum, showcasing Rhode Island’s rich maritime history. Visitors can tour the lighthouse during summer boat trips, view the antique Fresnel lens, and climb the 42-foot tower for breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay.
The creation of the charity plate was a labor of love, years in the making. Initially conceived as part of the lighthouse’s 150th-anniversary celebrations in December 2021, the project required legislative approval, design work, and coordination with the DMV. Now, it’s a reality—and a unique way for Rhode Islanders to support the preservation of this historic beacon.
Proceeds from the $42.50 plate fee go directly to the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, with $20 from each plate earmarked for restoration and maintenance projects. Upcoming initiatives include replacing the wooden dock damaged by storm surges and installing a historically accurate picket fence around the island.
Dennis Tardiff, Chair of the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, expressed gratitude for the community’s enthusiasm: “The funds generated from our charity plate will ensure the ongoing care of this vital piece of Rhode Island’s history.”
The plates are available for up to six-digit passenger registrations, with potential expansion to other vehicle types if interest grows. Those Rhode Island residents who missed the pre-order can now order directly through the Friends’ website www.PomhamRocksLighthouse.org, or the Rhode Island DMV. For individuals without internet access, mail-in applications can be requested by writing to Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, P.O. Box 15121, Riverside, RI 02915.
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. With the support of the community, this historic landmark will continue to shine brightly for generations to come.
This story appeared in the
Jan/Feb 2025 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. The print edition contains more stories than our internet edition, and each story generally contains more photographs - often many more - in the print edition. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.
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