As a resident long  fascinated with Alexandria’s complicated history, about 20 years ago  I had the good fortune  to meet George Combs, the archivist at the local History Special Collection located in the  Barrett Library to better educate me.  Whenever I had a question about Alexandria’s history that could not be answered  by consulting standard guide books and histories, I consulted George  tossing him question after question about the evolution of the city, how differing neighborhoods developed, who were the past leaders of the city and what they did (or not) accomplish, our cherished  historic buildings and sites, etc. If  George didn’t have an immediate answer to my inquiry, he become my  fellow  researcher and would help me dive into the collection’s vast treasure  of old books, documents, maps, photos, newspapers, and  correspondence pertaining to Alexandria, most of which cannot be found elsewhere (even by a Google search) for  answers. Long before sophisticated on-line search tools that are now available , George had much of what in the collection  pertained to Alexandria  in his head and either knew or had a hunch where it was located.

When I joined the Alexandria Historical Society Board, I wanted to learn more about the ante bellum domestic slave trade once  centered in Alexandria and discovered many of its secrets could be found only in the Special Collection. Talking with George,  I learned he was so interested in the subject that to learn more,  during one of his vacations,  he visited Fairvue Plantation in Tennessee, the home of Issac Franklin who, in 1837, left his (and partner John Armfield’s) slave trading enterprise  in Alexandria to become a prosperous southern planter.  George then enthusiastically shared what he learned with me and others.  He was a scholar who loved history, particularly the rich history of Alexandria and went far beyond what his job required

Alexandria’s Special Collection is unique, unlike most other historic collections in the region with probably the notable exception of the Library of Congress. Its focus is primarily on Alexandria’s history but there is more including many documents and books pertaining to the ante- bellum period, Civil War, and Reconstruction. It is the  gem of the City,  containing the collection of the Alexandria Library Company established in 1794  donated in later years to the City’s public library system and added onto ever since.  This collection is irreplaceable and is the envy of many other communities.  

Although none of the current  Special Collection staff worked with George, this highly proficient and professional  team carry on the legacy  George  established … one of excellence, responsiveness, assistance to all and  understanding the richness and importance of the collection for which they are the guardians.  

Thank you, George!

I first met George Combs while working on my doctoral dissertation. As the manager of the Local History/Special Collections division, he proved to be an invaluable research assistant and guide. He enthusiastically supported my work from the beginning and throughout my research time in Local History/Special Collections. He became a good and dear friend as well as a professional resource. I miss him so much. My consolation on his unexpected death is the fact that he's no longer suffering medically. Rest in peace, dear George.

I first met George in 1996 when I began researching Alexandria history at Special Collections, then at Lloyd House. At first I tried to find things on my own, but gradually, more and more, I began to go to George for help in finding the sources I needed. More from Ted's nomination of George for an AHS history award.

I know that GW is Alexandria's "George," and I have come to emphasize George's contributions to our nation's history (to provide a local's specificity and 'authentication') with visitors to the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, but George Combs was the person one went to among the subset of folks working to discover the 'honest history' of Alexandria.

I always walk to Barrett from the Meeting House and some bit of the spring in my step during the period when George headed the branch was provided by anticipating the simple act of checking in with him. He personified 'service' in the very best sense of that word. He really worked to come up with satisfactory solutions to the inquiries of every patron. While siting and pouring over your own materials, you could hear him getting patrons to think about their searching in creative ways, which often provided assistance in their own self-discovery of just what they were seeking and got them closer to a satisfactory solution. I always felt that I needed to report back to him when making progress on a research topic to demonstrate how much his assistance had paid off.

Consider visiting the archive we've created at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House - I think I've (finally) begun to convince members of the congregation that learning 'their own history' is a positive thing; so actually confess to taking courage for the current moment once they discover how topsy contemporary moments have always been.

George K. Combs was a thoughtful and kind person. He was the Branch Manager at the Alexandria Library Special Collections for over two decades before he retired. I will never forget George assisting me at the Alexandria, Virginia Library. I could depend on George and call him for any research questions that I might have. He was always willing to help.

Recently, I learned of George’s passing. I was in disbelief. George was such a kind soul. He will truly be missed by many whom he came in contact with.

George Combs had a mischievous side. He liked to gossip about the mayor and the City Council the same way he liked to gossip about George Washington or John Carlyle. You could see his eyes lit up when confronted with the narrative arc of a good story, and he was careful to document the modern-day history of Alexandria with the same care and attention that had been given to other eras. The more you revealed to him the details of your research, the more he would point you toward new and fascinating parts of the collection you didn't realize were there. Most of them were invaluable. A few of them were amusing. Many of them were curiosities that might not have been directly relavent. But they were the bits and pieces of archival research that were shared around a water cooler the next day.

I will miss George Combs not because he was a librarians' librarian, although he was, but because he was a friend, one who shared a sense that there was always something more lurking on the next shelf.

I wonder if you know the varied assets of the man, George Coombs….

Reflecting on the years that i worked with George at Mount Vernon and the positive observations and comments i heard from others describing George are friendship, support, kindness, and intelligence unrivaled.  That was George Coombs.  His creative mind enhanced and exceeded my first impression of him.

His love of history and his knowledge of history was so thoughtfully shared with his co-workers and guests.

I remember the first time i visited the George Washington library, i was with George and another co-worker, Julie.  He was the perfect guide.  He was naturally eager to share with us information relating to special collections, reading selections, and the archives catalog.  Always pointing out interesting details. I made a comment about the beautiful walls, and he told us the walls were from a single American sycamore tree.   His grasp of history and his willingness to share some of that knowledge will forever be appreciated.

George, wishing you were here to witness the change of seasons at Mount Vernon. 

I wonder if you know how warmly you will be missed and remembered.

The August 2023 AHS Newsletter highlights Pam's memories of George.

George Combs has left an enduring impact through his extensive knowledge of Alexandria history. It is not unusual for many local researchers and residents to visit the LH/SC Branch and reminisce about their interactions with George. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and worked with him over the years.

As a librarian at the Barrett Branch (sharing the Queen Street building with the Local History Branch) I asked George to present a program related to the PBS series Mercy Street, which was set in Alexandria. The program was held at the Athenaeum in January 2016 with 100 people attending plus a waiting list!  I was fortunate to run into him unexpectedly at Mount Vernon last year and was able to catch up.  

When I made my way into Special Collections for the first time around 2008 or so, I came across a man at the desk who seemed to know every book, paper, piece of microfilm, map, and file folder surrounding him. That was George Combs. I appreciated his calm manner and endless patience in teaching me—yet again—how to use the microfilm machine.