Fans of children’s book author Dr. Seuss may soon be able to show their devotion on their Massachusetts license plates.
Driving down the highway, dreaming of a meal of green eggs and ham, you might spy out of the corner of your eye the Cat in the Hat passing by.
Dr. Seuss’s iconic character is the logo for the latest proposed addition to the list of specialty license plates available in Massachusetts for motorists who want to support a special cause or institution. In this case, the Springfield Museums – home of the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum.
At the unveiling of the license plate, Springfield Museums President Kay Simpson said it is both a moneymaking and marketing opportunity.
"Not only will the license plate support educational programs at the Springfield Musuems, it will also promote the city of Springfield as home of The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss," Simpson said.
Specialty plates cost $40 more than the normal passenger car registration fee.
The Registry of Motor Vehicles will begin production of the specialty plate after 750 are pre-ordered. Simpson is confident of reaching the minimum application requirement.
" It is a great cause, and if I can say so, I believe it is the cutest license plate anyone could ever have," said Simpson.
She said Museum officials began discussing the possibility of a specialty license plate a few years ago as part of the fundraising for the Seuss Museum, which opened in 2017 as the first and only museum dedicated to the children’s book author and Springfield native Theodor Geisel.
Massachusetts Republican Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and several members of Springfield’s all-Democratic state legislative delegation were at the official license plate unveiling to give their endorsements.
"These Museums are such a treasure and certainly well supported in this community, but the Seuss plate will also enable more people in the Commonwealth to support the museums and get to know what a treasure and asset this is for our Commonwalth," said Polito.
There are currently 30 specialty license plates available in Massachusetts. The plates raise about $5 million a year for an array of causes including research into diseases, environmental protection, and regional economic development.
Massachusetts began issuing special license plates in 1994. The program exploded in popularity when the Boston Red Sox, fresh off their historic 2004 World Series win, marketed a license plate with proceeds going to the Jimmy Fund, a charity for pediatric cancer research.
Each of Boston’s major professional sports teams has license plates benefiting charitable foundations.
