In 1974, Waterville native George Mitchell ran for governor and was defeated. Last week, at a monumental event, Sen. Mitchell addressed the Maine Legislature, received special recognition and unveiled a portrait.

His portrait will hang in the Hall of Flags alongside other famous Mainers’ portraits, including Sen. Margaret Chase Smith, Sen. Edmund Muskie and Maine’s first governor, William King.

Sen. Mitchell's accomplishments are myriad: United States district court judge, peace envoy to Northern Ireland and the Middle East, and Senate majority leader, to name just a few. But, for all Sen. Mitchell has accomplished, his devotion to Maine and its people remains paramount.

The Mitchell Institute, established to aid high school graduates further their education, has helped more than 1,900 Maine students, according to its website. Over the years, Sen. Mitchell has visited every high school in Maine and believes that our graduates are as good as any in the country and deserving of our help.

Many Institute scholars were in attendance for the January 28 event.

I met Sen. Mitchell many years ago while he was campaigning for governor. We continuously crossed paths throughout the state, and he always, astonishingly, remembered me. In the mid ’90s I asked to photograph with him for my book project about Maine People and arranged to meet during his Mount Desert family “vacation.” I have photographed with him and his family regularly ever since, but never finished the book.

Sen. Mitchell's portrait was painted by Irish artist James Hanley while Mitchell was chancellor at Queen's University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is a watchful image, reminding us of Sen. Mitchell's vigilance and perseverance. His family and friends, who commissioned and paid for the portrait, have given a lasting gift and visual reminder of Maine's generous heritage and Mitchell's enduring support.