The Columbus Museum has opened a new exhibition spotlighting the five-decade public service career of Calvin Smyre, one of Georgia’s most influential and enduring state lawmakers.
Titled “The Puzzle of Politics: Calvin Smyre in Service, 1975–2025,” the exhibition traces Smyre’s career from his first election to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1975 through 50 years of legislative leadership. Known for his bipartisan respect and effectiveness, Smyre played key roles in several landmark measures, including the legislation establishing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as a state holiday, replacing Georgia’s 1950s-era state flag, authorizing construction of the Georgia Dome, and passing the state’s hate crimes law.