2025-140

A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE ROSE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE & FORT HAMILTON TRUST ON RECEIVING THE 2024 BEST LICENSE PLATE AWARD

WHEREAS, in 1986, the City of Newport adopted Resolution No. 17-86, designating Parcel 2 on Rose Island to the stewardship of the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation (now the Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust), to rehabilitate, maintain, and operate the historic lighthouse as a public monument; and

WHEREAS, in 2023, the Rhode Island General Assembly adopted House Resolution H6432, honoring the 30th anniversary of the lighthouse’s relighting and commending the Trust for its environmental, historical, and educational leadership across Rose Island’s 18-acre refuge; and

WHEREAS, the Trust continues to welcome the public to Rose Island through overnight stays, public tours, an accredited arboretum, wildlife conservation efforts, and educational programming; and

WHEREAS, the Trust was recently awarded the 2024 "Best Plate of the Year" by the Automobile License Plate Collector’s Association for its Rose Island Lighthouse specialty plate, the first time a Rhode Island plate has received this national honor, placing both the City of Newport and the State of Rhode Island in the national spotlight and celebrating the iconic imagery that defines Newport’s coastal character; and

WHEREAS, proceeds from the specialty plate continue to support the vital preservation work of the Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust, further connecting our community to its seafaring past and brightening its future; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED, that the City of Newport congratulates the Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust on its national recognition and the 2024 Best Plate of the Year award honoring its charitable license plate; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, that the City Council reaffirms the intent and spirit of Resolution No. 17-86 and expresses its continued support for the Trust’s preservation and stewardship mission; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, that August 7, 2025, also known as National Lighthouse Day, be recognized and celebrated in the City of Newport as Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust Day; A copy of this resolution shall be presented to the Trust and entered into the records by the City Clerk.

DAVID R. CARLIN III
ELLEN PINNOCK
STEPHANIE SMYTH

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
AUGUST 13, 2025

LAURA C SWISTAK, CMC
CITY CLERK