ATLANTA— The Georgia House of Representatives will unveil a portrait of the late Speaker Thomas B. Murphy on Wednesday, March 10th, at 10:00 a.m. in the House chamber of the Georgia State Capitol. The portrait will be on permanent loan from the Murphy family and the unveiling will commemorate the 86th anniversary of Speaker Murphy’s birth.
“Speaker Murphy was a political giant in Georgia and his legacy will be felt for generations,” said House Speaker David Ralston. “This portrait will serve as a reminder to all who visit the State Capitol of the profound and lasting impact of one man on our state.”
Speaker Murphy served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1960. He presided as Speaker of the House from December 19, 1973 until 2003, making him the longest serving House Speaker in Georgia history, and at the end of his tenure, the longest serving Speaker of any state legislature in the United States.
Speaker Murphy’s family and former House members are invited to attend the portrait unveiling ceremony that will take place in the House chamber. As part of the ceremony, House Clerk Robbie Rivers will present a resolution sponsored by members of the Georgia House of Representatives to the family honoring Speaker Murphy. After the unveiling ceremony, the portrait will be placed outside the House chamber on the third floor of the State Capitol.
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