The Collection

The October 27 Archive currently contains 1333 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 1333 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

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (002)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11/4/2018 and reads: "To the Tree of Life Synagogue, Our love and support go out to you. Only the Love of God in us can help to overcome such a tragedy and grief. Stay strong, stay united, and know that we at Point Loma Church in San Diego are praying for you and remembering you. With His Love, Geri [last name redacted]."

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Gifts

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (23)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover reads: "F.e.a.r. has two meanings- Forget everything and run OR Face everything and rise. The choice is yours." A star of David and cartoonish illustration of a smiling boy wearing a red baseball cap appear below; a shining sun in the upper right corner. The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, We are sorry for your loss and we hope you are recovering well. -Aiden G. Littleton, Colorado." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.

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Gifts

Holy Angels Parish (Pittsburgh, Pa.) card (03)

Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of seven children holding hands around a table with a large goblet and loaf of braided bread, and seven doves. The illustration is labeled: "We are people of God's peace." The inside reads: "The Tree of Life Members, even though you are going through something tough you will get through it by praying and being with each other. Sincerely, Holy Angels CCD."

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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

The Church at Severn Run card (19)

Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note is enclosed in an envelope with church letterhead, reading: "The Church at Severn Run: Love Well, Live Jesus, Believe Big!" The note inside is dated 10/28/18 and reads: "know that God see you all and may the peace that surpasses all understanding fill your hearts. You all will be in my prayers! -Amen." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.

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Gifts

New York State memorial flag (Rose Mallinger)

Miniature New York State flag. Wrapped around stem of flag is a slip of laminated yellow paper reading, "In Memory of our Sister ROSE MALLINGER z''l -- To his family and community we pray Tanuchamo min hashamayim. May God in Heaven comfort you. The Principals, Teachers, Parents, Alumni, and Students of Magen David Yeshivah. Brooklyn, NY." Part of a series of 11 flags, each dedicated to one of the victims. Additional photograph shows the entire set of 11.

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Gifts

Elizabethtown College (Elizabethtown, Pa.) letter

Letter from administrators and affiliated staff at The Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking at Elizabethtown College. The front of the letter is inscribed with letterhead from the The Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking at Elizabethtown College. Message reads: "Elizabethtown College's Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking shares our concerns and prayers for your community at this sad and difficult time.

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (068)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Tree of Life Synagogue, Our hearts, our minds, our love is with you. We weep with you in this time of deep grief and our thoughts and prayers flow to you and to your entire community. May love and light always prevail, even in these times of unfathomable acts and in the face of overwhelming grief- may we raise ourselves back into the light together. Our hearts are with you. June."