The Rose Island Foundation Annual Meeting was a success with a turnout of over 65 attendees on Wednesday evening, including Foundation members, historical enthusiasts, volunteers and Newport residents.

The commencement speech was beautifully addressed by the Foundation’s President, Lisa Morrison, who’s dedication and commitment to Rose Island is exemplary and appreciated.

Guests of the meeting were delighted to hear of all the improvements and restoration projects that their generous contributions gave life to. Included in her speech, Lisa also spoke of the on-going grant proposals that are pivotal part of keeping Rose Island Lighthouse alive and running.

The guest speaker of the night, Lynne Heinzmann, Author of Frozen Voices (New Rivers Press, 2016), told the tragic story of the passenger steamship Larchmont that sank to the bottom of the Block Island Sound in 1907.
We want to sincerely thank all who attended and those who were not able to join us!

About Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation:

The Rose Island Foundation is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is to preserve the historic and environmental integrity of Rose Island, to maintain and operate its lighthouse and to provide education and public access for all people. RILF supports this mission by providing memberships, environmental education for schools and youth groups, fundraising events, tours and overnight accommodations, and tax-exempt contributions from conservation and preservation minded individuals, families, groups, and businesses.  For additional information, please contact our office: (401) 847-4242.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...