July 22, 2025

Rhode Island Plate Wins Best Plate of 2024

News Summary

The Rose Island Lighthouse license plate from Rhode Island has been awarded the title of ‘Best Plate of 2024’ by the ALPCA, marking a historic achievement. This plate supports the preservation of the Rose Island Lighthouse and showcases local maritime heritage with its unique design, including sailboats and the iconic Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge. The award ceremony featured prominent attendees and highlights the community’s dedication to its local heritage.

Providence

A Rhode Island charity license plate has been awarded the title of “Best Plate of 2024” by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association (ALPCA). The Rose Island Lighthouse license plate achieved this prestigious recognition, making it the first Rhode Island plate to win this honor in ALPCA’s 71-year history.

The award ceremony took place on Monday, July 21, at the Rhode Island Department of Administration building in Providence. The event was attended by notable figures, including Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles Administrator Walter R. Craddock, Governor Daniel J. McKee, and representatives from the Rose Island and Fort Hamilton Trust.

The Rose Island Lighthouse license plate is not just a beautiful representation of Rhode Island’s maritime heritage; it also serves a significant purpose. Governed by the Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust, the plate supports vital work in the preservation, education, and conservation of the lighthouse and its surrounding 18-acre island.

Design and Significance

The design of the winning license plate showcases a striking image of the Rose Island Lighthouse, along with the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge and artwork depicting iconic sailboats that are often seen in Narragansett Bay. This artistic representation was designed by Ross Cann from A4 Architecture + Planning, with contributions from local resident Jan Slee and artwork by Kara Acosta.

The sailboats featured on the plate hold particular significance, as they bear sail numbers “18” and “70,” reflecting the year the lighthouse was built. This nuanced detail adds to the uniqueness of the plate and its connection to Rhode Island’s local history.

A Competitive Selection Process

In a competitive selection process, the Rose Island license plate secured its victory with 396 points, winning against entries from Idaho, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. The plate finished first in a close five-way race, garnering approximately 37.7% of the total points cast by ALPCA members.

A total of 523 members participated in the voting process, and many remarked that this year’s nominations were of exceptionally high quality, making the decision for voters particularly challenging. The Rose Island plate was one of 22 submissions vying for the title.

About ALPCA

Founded in 1954, the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association (ALPCA) has grown to encompass over 3,000 members across 50 US states and 19 countries, showcasing a wide array of license plates from around the globe. The association’s mission includes promoting the hobby of collecting license plates and preserving automotive history through their shared passion.

How to Support the Cause

Rhode Islanders interested in owning the Rose Island Lighthouse charity plate can order one for an additional charge of $42.50 upon registration. Out of this fee, $20 will be directly contributed to the Rose Island Lighthouse and Fort Hamilton Trust, supporting their ongoing missions and projects related to the preservation of the iconic lighthouse.

The recognition of the Rose Island Lighthouse license plate celebrates both creative design and meaningful contributions to a historic site within Rhode Island. As the first of its kind to win the “Best Plate of 2024” award, it stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to honoring and preserving their local heritage.

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Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER

PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER

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