2025 -- H 6412

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

CELEBRATING THE NATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM’S RECOGNITION OF THE

HEROIC EFFORTS OF IDA LEWIS WITH THE "PAST LIGHT KEEPER AWARD"

     Introduced By: Representatives Carson, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Abney,
Shallcross Smith, Tanzi, Ajello, Fellela, and Felix

     Date Introduced: June 12, 2025

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Rhode Islanders are well aware of the majesty of our coastline and the

prominent place our shores have always occupied in the vibrancy of our State's economy and in

our quality of life; and

     WHEREAS, Many an Ocean State resident, as well as countless tourists, have enjoyed

visiting one or more of the active and inactive scenic lighthouses that dot the State's shores and

remind us of Rhode Island’s rich nautical heritage; and

     WHEREAS, The National Lighthouse Museum was established to promote and support

historical, educational, cultural, recreational, and other activities relating to the important role

lighthouses have and continue to hold in the security of our coastline; and

     WHEREAS, This year at the 15th annual Lightkeeper’s Gala, held during Lighthouse

Recognition Week, the National Lighthouse Museum will bestow the "Past Light Keeper Award"

in memory of Ida Lewis for her extraordinary and heroic efforts as the Light Keeper at the

Limerock Light; and

     WHEREAS, Ida Lewis was born in the City of Newport. By age 15, she had become

known as the best swimmer in the City and soon thereafter, became famous as a one-woman life

boat station for making numerous daring rescues of those in trouble in the waters of Newport

Harbor while assisting her father who was the official keeper of what was then known as Lime

Rock Light House; and

     WHEREAS, Ida Lewis is credited with saving eighteen lives over the length of her

career. Unofficially, she had rescued many others, and earned the title of "the bravest Woman in

America" and was the first woman to be awarded the "Gold Lifesaving Medal" from the United

States Government; and

     WHEREAS, In 1924, the Rhode Island General Assembly officially changed the name of

Lime Rock to Ida Lewis Rock and the lighthouse service subsequently changed the name of the

Lime Rock Lighthouse to the Ida Lewis Rock Lighthouse in her honor; and

     WHEREAS, The Ida Lewis Rock Lighthouse is now home to the Ida Lewis Yacht Club

and remains a stately beacon that has guided and protected mariners since the 1850s, and is

considered a great source of pride for the City and residents of Newport; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

joins in celebrating the National Lighthouse Museum’s recognition of the heroic efforts of Ida

Lewis with the "Past Light Keeper Award"; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and is hereby authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Commodore Christopher W. Arner, Ida Lewis

Yacht Club.

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