The Columbus Museum (COMU) is proudto present The Puzzle of Politics: Calvin Smyre in Service, 1975–2025, a new exhibition examining the remarkable 50-year career of the Honorable Calvin Smyre, who first took office in the Georgia House of Representatives in 1975 and went on to become one of the most respected and influential leaders in state politics. In February2025, Smyre’s Portrait was unveiled in a ceremony at the GA State Capitol. He is the 7thAfrican American and 1stColumbus citizen to receive such recognition.

Through photographs, documents, personal reflections, and artifacts, the exhibition explores Smyre’s decades of service and his role in some of Georgia’s most consequential legislation. Highlights include his leadership in establishing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and Juneteenth as a state holiday, replacing Georgia’s 1950s-era state flag, advancing the construction of the Georgia Dome, and helping pass the state’s hate crimes and Citizen Arrestlaws. Known for his ability to work across party lines, Smyre earned widespread respect from colleagues on both sides of the aisle for his integrity, pragmatism, and commitment to public service.

The exhibition also highlights Smyre’s lasting impact on Muscogee County and the Columbus community. His advocacy helped bring the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts to fruition, and his long-standing involvement with the Fountain City Classic and Leaders of Today and Tomorrow reflects a deep commitment to education, youth development, and civic life.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this recognition and truly grateful for the trust and confidence the citizens of Columbus, Georgia placed in me. This exhibition reflects not only my individual efforts, but also the efforts, sage advice, encouragement, and support of those who have contributed to my 50 years of public service careerwhich consists of forty-eight years in the GA House of Representatives, one year as a US Representative tothe 78thUnited Nations General Assembly and one year on the President Intelligence Advisory Board, Office of the President. I am truly honored and very thankful”, Smyre stated.

A distinctive and personal element of the exhibition draws from Smyre’s lifelong passion for jigsaw puzzles. For Smyre, puzzles served as a source of stress relief and a way to preserve memory amid the demands of public life. His reflections on puzzles offer a compelling metaphor for governance itself, as they involve assembling diverse pieces, navigating complexity, and working patiently toward a greater whole. 

The Puzzle of Politics: Calvin Smyre in Service, 1975–2025is sponsored by Synovus, whose support made the exhibition possible. To celebrate the opening, The Columbus Museum will host a public exhibition reception featuring a moderated conversation between Calvin Smyre and James H.Blanchard, exploring Smyre’s political career, philanthropic work, and legacy of leadership. Kevin Blair, president and CEO of Pinnacle Financial Partners, which recently merged with Synovus, will offer welcome remarks at the event as well.

At-a-Glance

Exhibition: The Puzzle of Politics: Calvin Smyre in Service, 1975-2025

Dates: January 31 – March 1, 2026

Highlight Event: The Puzzle of Politics Exhibition Reception Thursday, February 19, 2026 // 5:30 – 8 PM

Admission: FREEat COMU

Website: comuga.org