Mass 250 Commemorative Plate Becomes Most Popular Specialty Plate in State History

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Registry of Motor Vehicles Division (RMV) today announced that it has issued over 100,000 commemorative 250th Anniversary license plates, making it the most popular specialty plate in state history.  

Introduced in May 2025, the plate celebrates 250 years of American independence and Massachusetts’ central role in the founding of the nation. The distinctive blue background with a white and red design features the year "1776" surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies, and the phrase "250 Years of Independence" across the bottom.  

"The story of America's independence begins in Massachusetts, and these plates have become a symbol of the pride people feel in that history," said Governor Maura Healey. "Reaching 100,000 plates is an incredible milestone, and it's exciting to see so many residents taking part in our Massachusetts 250 celebration." 

As part of the anniversary celebration, the RMV conducted a special Massachusetts 250 Low Plate Lottery for plates numbered 1 through 999, as well as the commemorative number 1776. The lottery attracted 48,457 eligible entries, with winners representing 289 cities and towns from Pittsfield to Provincetown. 

More than 4,500 people watched the special prerecorded lottery broadcast featuring stories, trivia, and local history connected to selected plate numbers. The program included appearances by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng, Registrar Ogilvie, and other RMV leaders. 

The Massachusetts 250th Anniversary plate may be ordered online at Mass.Gov/RMV, at RMV Service Centers, and through participating Electronic Vehicle Registration (EVR) dealerships. The plate will continue to be offered beyond the end of this year. The biennial cost is $100, consisting of the standard $60 vehicle registration fee and a $40 special plate fee. 

In addition to the Massachusetts 250 plate, the RMV offers 56 specialty plates, including charitable, military, organizational, environmental, and other distinctive designs.  

Allendale Pines North Affordable Manufactured Homes Sell Fast

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:17PM / Saturday, August 22, 2026

Developer Teton Management cut the ribbon on the first six hopes in the manufactured housing community earlier this year. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Just a few months after Allendale Pines North cut the ribbon on its first six homes in the new manufactured home community, units in the planned development are selling fast with both first and second phases all but sold out.

 

For several years, Teton Management Corp. has been planning to expand its existing Allendale Pines Mobile Community with the development of 22 planned manufactured housing units. The new development has its own entrance at 395 Cheshire Road. 

 

The need for attainable housing has never been higher, Teton President George Whaling said. 

 

"And where we sought the opportunity to help with that demand is, we can get folks into a home at Allendale Pines North for essentially a couple of $100 less than what it would cost for someone to rent a three-bedroom of the same quality," he said. 

 

The corporation took over Allendale Pines, now referred to as Allendale Pines South, about 6 1/2 years ago, Whaling said. 

 

Since then, the corporation has invested $1,000,001 in infrastructure improvements, including replacing all water and sewer lines, paving the community and installing the infrastructure needed for 10 additional units, he said. 

 

Additionally, it has been working to clean up and improve the community, which was lacking during previous ownership, said Jason Nocher, owner of Nocher Realty, which has been hired to help sell the units.