The Rome Area Heritage Foundation presented a portrait of Ellen Axson Wilson to the Hargett Rare Book and Manuscript Library at the University of Georgia in a recent ceremony.

Wilson was the first wife of President Woodrow Wilson and is buried in Myrtle Hill Cemetery.

“The University and the State of Georgia applauds greatly the Rome Area Heritage Foundation’s efforts to bring this painting into existence through the skillful hands of Suzanne Royal,” said Toby Graham, director of the library.

The portrait will eventually hang in the Georgia Room of the soon to be completed $30-million library, which will house the Georgia Archives.

Warren Jones, Suzanne Royal, and the Rome Area Heritage Foundation will be listed in the Congressional Record for their efforts in Historic Preservation.

The portrait endeavor began in 1991 under the Rome Area Heritage Foundation presidency of Jeff Brown and was supported by the Rome community through tax free contributions.

Attending the presentation were (standing from left) Nancy Bryan, George Pullen, Jack Summerbell, Ann Pullen, Brentz Turner, Anita Smith, Jerry Minge, Mary Kay Minge, Suzanne Royal, W.C. Owen, Charlene Covington, Mary Arrington, Warren Jones, Tooken Cade, (kneeling from left) Stuart Smith, Billy Mitchell, Ruth Martin, Janet Byington, Toby Graham and Wes Martin.