The Collection

The October 27 Archive currently contains 1476 objects and is regularly being expanded with more material. The archive includes flyers and programs from community gatherings held since the October 27 attack, a comprehensive collection of news coverage about the day of the event, oral history recordings reflecting a diverse array of experiences, and historical documentation about the Jewish experience in Western Pennsylvania.

Using this archive

You can view all the materials currently included in the archive using the browser below. Each object has been described and cataloged to help you discover materials, learn about these materials, understand the context in which these materials were created, and draw connections between different materials. You can refine the browsing experience using various filters, including creator, type, and subject. Some of these filters have already been used to create preset galleries, each organized around specific aspects of the archive. You can also look for specific words and phrase found in the archive using a keyword search.

 

View the collection

Image
Photograph showing selection of archival materials
Photo Credit
Photograph by Carly Lough

The Archive

The October 27 Archive currently contains 1476 objects and is regularly being expanded with more material. The archive includes flyers and programs from community gatherings held since the October 27 attack, a comprehensive collection of news coverage about the day of the event, oral history recordings reflecting a diverse array of experiences, and historical documentation about the Jewish experience in Western Pennsylvania.

Using this archive

You can view all the materials currently included in the archive using the browser below. Each object has been described and cataloged to help you discover materials, learn about these materials, understand the context in which these materials were created, and draw connections between different materials. You can refine the browsing experience using various filters, including creator, type, and subject. Some of these filters have already been used to create preset galleries, each organized around specific aspects of the archive. You can also look for specific words and phrase found in the archive using a keyword search.

Galleries

Galleries are pre-selected filters that provide a glimpse into the depth and breadth of the October 27 collection.
  • Oral Histories

    Western Pennsylvanians share their life stories and reflect on the impact of an antisemitic attack in a beloved Jewish neighborhood.

  • Breaking News

    Documentation of the October 27 attack as it was unfolding, told through news articles and oral histories.

Show filters

Language – Cards

Creator – Cards

Date – Cards

Group – Cards

Location – Cards

Event – Cards

Image
MSS1297_B001_F034_I009_P001.jpg
Gifts

Card with snowy landscape

Card with illustration of snowy landscape on the front cover. The note is written on a separate piece of paper, which has an illustration on the back of a duck floating on water. Note has been folded to fit inside the card. The sender, Lucy [last name redacted], writes that she is in her childhood neighborhood (Squirrel Hill) for the first time in years, explaining: "I just wanted to take the chance to say in person how much my thoughts and the thoughts of everyone I know have been with you."
Image
MSS_1297_B001_F016_I002_Redacted.jpg
Gifts

Hebrew Academy of Montreal letter (2)

Typed bilingual Hebrew and English letter from a student at Hebrew Academy, a private Jewish day school in Montreal, Quebec. In English the letter reads: "Dear Rabbi, I hope all is well. I'm talking to you from Montreal. I heard what happened last week and I want to say we have been saying Tehillim (Psalms) for you guys in Pittsburg[h]. The whole Jewish community is so sad and I want to say that we are really sorry. I hope all the injured will be okay and heal faster. Sincerely, Joshua [last name redacted]."

Image
MSS1297_B001_F022_I044_Redacted.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (086)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "To The Dear Tree of Life Community, I am so, so sorry for the loved ones you have lost in the most unthinkable of ways. Your brothers and sisters in San Diego, at Point Loma Community Presbyterian mourn with you. We pray that you will find a peace that goes beyond human understanding. Know that I am committed to doing- as much as any one person can do to build bridges of love, compassion, and shalom, and that I will always remember your family of faith while doing so.

Image
MSS1297_B001_F023_I005_P001.jpg
Gifts

St. Peter's Episcopal Church (Londonderry, N. H.) card (05)

Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The envelope contains a handwritten message: "With Peace and in Repentance and friendship of Spirit." The front cover reads: "Peace" and features a sandy landscape with a blue sky and orange flowers. The inside reads: "Dear Friends in the God of Abraham, My spirit and my prayers have been with you this past week. Prayers of love, courage, hope, and prayers of repentance for all little ways in which my own way of living accommodates any hatred, bigotry, or antisemitism.