Automobile License Plate Collectors Association

The Automobile License Plate Collectors Association (ALPCA) is the largest such organization in the world.^[1] Founded in Rumney Depot, New Hampshire, United States, in 1953 and holding its first meeting in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, in 1954, its members have come from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia (often state subsidiaries exist as well) and twenty-four other countries, although the bulk of its members reside in the United States, followed by Canada, Germany, and Australia.

Despite the club's name, many members also collect and exchange license plates from vehicles other than automobiles.

ALPCA currently has 3,183 registered members and 10,921 registered member numbers,^[2] although many of the earlier—and therefore lower-numbered—members are now deceased or are no longer members. The club hosts an annual convention each June or July that attracts several hundred members, and regional meets take place in a number of countries throughout the year.

ALPCA members often consult the media for stories on issues in automobilia.^[3][4][5]

Plate of the Year

Since 1970, club members have voted each year to name one United States or Canadian license plate design—and in some years two such designs—introduced during the previous year as the "Plate of the Year," to state media coverage.^[6][7] Members vote based both on the plate's legibility and its aesthetics. For 1995, 1997, and 1998, the club recognized one standard-issue plate and one optional-issue plate, while in 1985 and 1989, two jurisdictions' designs tied for first place.^[8]

Notable members

• Jim Fox, drummer of the James Gang; served as an officer of the ALPCA and authored one of the most prominent published works within the hobby, License Plates of the United States.

References

External links

• Official site
• [2]
• [3]