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

New exhibition explores five decades of public service, bipartisan leadership, and civic impact.

The Columbus Museum has opened a new exhibition chronicling five decades of public service by one of Georgia’s longest-serving lawmakers.

The Puzzle of Politics: Calvin Smyre in Service, 1975–2025 examines the 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 influential figures in state government.

The exhibition, on view from Jan. 31 through March 1, explores Smyre’s legislative leadership, bipartisan relationships and civic impact through photographs, documents, personal reflections and artifacts.

In February 2025, Smyre’s portrait was unveiled at the Georgia State Capitol, making him the seventh African American and the first Columbus resident to receive that recognition in state history. Two academic facilities also bear his name: the Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center at Morehouse School of Medicine and the Calvin Smyre Building at Fort Valley State University.

Throughout his tenure, Smyre played a central role in key legislation, including establishing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday and Juneteenth as Georgia state holidays, replacing the state’s 1950s-era flag, advancing construction of the Georgia Dome and supporting passage of the state’s hate crimes and citizen’s arrest laws. Known for working across party lines, he earned respect from colleagues for his pragmatic leadership style and steady approach to governance.

The exhibition, presented during Black History Month, also highlights Smyre’s local impact in Muscogee County. His advocacy helped bring the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts to fruition. As longtime chairman of the Fountain City Classic — featuring Albany State University and Fort Valley State University — Smyre has championed higher education and youth development. His involvement with Cufflinks and Pearls Networking, formerly Leaders of Today and Tomorrow, further reflects his investment in mentoring and civic engagement.

“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,” Smyre said in a statement. He noted that the exhibition reflects not only his individual efforts, but also the support and counsel of those who contributed to his 50 years of public service, which included 48 years in the Georgia House, service as a U.S. representative to the 78th United Nations General Assembly and a year on the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board.

A distinctive element of the exhibition draws from Smyre’s lifelong passion for jigsaw puzzles. For Smyre, puzzles provided stress relief and a way to preserve memory amid the demands of public life. The exhibit uses that hobby as a metaphor for governance — assembling diverse pieces, navigating complexity and working patiently toward a unified whole.

The exhibition is sponsored by Synovus.

To mark the opening, the museum will host a public reception from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 19 featuring a moderated conversation between Smyre and retired Synovus Chairman James H. Blanchard. Kevin Blair, president and CEO of Pinnacle Financial Partners, will offer welcome remarks.

Smyre had a 38-year career with Synovus, retiring in December 2014 as executive vice president and president of the Synovus Foundation. He is a 1970 graduate of Fort Valley State University.

At a Glance
Exhibition: The Puzzle of Politics: Calvin Smyre in Service, 1975–2025
Dates: Jan. 31 – March 1, 2026
Reception: Feb. 19, 5:30–8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Website: comuga.org

Founded in 1953, The Columbus Museum is one of the largest museums in the Southeast, offering American art, regional history and gardens in a single campus setting.