The Collection

The October 27 Archive currently contains 1579 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 1579 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

Group – Cards

Location – Cards

Event – Cards

Image
MSS_1297_B001_F016_I005.jpg
Gifts

Hebrew Academy of Montreal letter (5)

Typed letter from a student at Hebrew Academy, a private Jewish day school in Montreal, Quebec. The letter reads: "Dear Rabbi, My name is Joelle. I'm 10 years old. I live in Montreal. I go to Hebrew Academy, a private school. I'm sorry to hear that there was a shooting. I feel so bad. It doesn't matter what religion you are, you have to respect other[s] just the same way you have to respect Hashem (God). We should always know that we are stronger than hate. So bad things can't happen we have to faith and emunah (trust) in Hashem. I feel so bad. From: Joelle. P.S.

Image
328.jpg
Community

Interfaith Prayer Service program

Eight-page folded cardstock program with dark blue background and typed text. Cover features photograph of a stained-glass Star of David. Contents include order of program, song lyrics with musical notation, Psalm 23 in Hebrew, English and English transliteration, Alden Solovy prayer, test of Kel Maleh Rachamim prayer in Hebrew and English, text of Mourner's Kaddish in Hebrew and English transliteration, and text of Oseh Shalom in Hebrew, English and English transliteration.

Image
MSS_1297_B001_F015_I022_P001.jpg
Gifts

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (22)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The cover contains the following quote: "The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power." An illustration of three stick figures raising their hands, standing on a large rock with a Star of David at the center, before a mountainous landscape with a large sun and clouds, appears on the bottom center. The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I'm very sorry about what has happen[ed]. I do know that people are also very sorry.

Image
MSS1297_B002_F005_I012_P001.jpg
Gifts

"Only Love" letter

Double-sided letter. The front features a letter written in blue ink on a white background. The letter is addressed to the families and friends of the October 27 attack victims, the three congregations that gathered to pray at the Tree of Life synagogue, the people of Squirrel Hill, the people of Pittsburgh, as well as all citizens of the world. The addressees are listed in six respective hearts in the upper center. The hearts are surrounded by the branches of two trees which frame either side of the letter.

Image
MSS1297_B006_F012_I002.jpg
Gifts

Fountain Valley School of Colorado (Colorado Springs, Co.) card (10)

Large square card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. Card features several messages on paper heart cut-outs. Message on upper left heart: "Dear members of Tree of Life Synagogue, I'm from China. I heard about the tragic news that happened on October 27th. I'm sorry for your loss..." Message on upper right heart reads: "I'm Christian, and I'm with you. Wish you all the BEST... I stand with you.

Image
MSS1297_B001_F021_I042_Redacted.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (042)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Tree of Life members, You have all been in my heart and prayers this past week. It is impossible to imagine what you all must have experienced, but I would hope that your faith and strong community would be very healing at this time. I am so impressed with the response of your congregation- to just keep going, as the Jewish people have done for thousands of years throughout history.