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

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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

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Gifts

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (15)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover contains the following quote attributed to O.G. Mandino: "Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough." Illustrated with the image of two stick figures, labeled "strength" and "failure" respectively standing on either side of a wall. The inside reads: "Dear Congregation of the Tree of Life, I am sorry for what happened and I hope everything gets better.

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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."
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Gifts

George Washington University Hillel card (Washington D.C.) (08)

Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The front cover features the partial outline of a tree; most of the ink faded has faded by water damage at the memorial site. The inside, which also has partial fading due to water damage, reads: "I can't think of the words to say that could possibly make this better for all of you. Just know that we are all here for you, as a Jewish community sending love and strength your way. Though it may not seem like it now, we will all make it through this and work to make tomorrow a better day.

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Gifts

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (06)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. Cover features an illustration of an American flag and Israeli flag flanking a budding plant in the lower center, and a bilingual quote in English and Hebrew attributed to Ghandi in the upper center. In English, the quote reads: "Be the change you want to see in the world." The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am so sorry for your loss. It breaks my hear to hear about acts of Anti-Semitism. I am keeping you and your congregation in my heart and prayers.

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Gifts

Elizabethtown College (Elizabethtown, Pa.) card

Envelope and card from administrators and affiliated staff at The Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking at Elizabethtown College. Envelope is inscribed: "Tree of Life" and illustrated with a Star of David and heart. Card features an illustration of peacock feathers on the front. Card reads: "Elizabethtown College's Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking shares our concerns and prayers for your community at this most difficult time.