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

Primary Type – Cards

Secondary Type - Cards

Language – Cards

Date – Cards

Group – Cards

Location – Cards

Event – Cards

Image
MSS1297_B001_F022_I017_Redacted.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (059)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11/4/18 and reads: "To the families and friends of Tree of Life Synagogue: Please be comforted by the prayers for your losses- offered up by believers of many faiths. Only God can know why this tragedy occurred, but know that He will hold you in his loving arms to heal you with his abiding love and faithfulness. The prayer quilt is tired with countless prayers as well. Be comforted when you see it.

Image
MSS1297_B001_F021_I003_Redacted.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (003)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Friends at Tree of Life Synagogue, My heart hurts and aches for the tragedy and violence you have seen. I have thought about it many times as I sit in my own church with family and friends. May God wake with you always, ALL ways, may His breath be in yours, may you heal and grow together from this horrible loss. With much love, Katie [last name redacted] from PLCPC.

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.

Image
MSS1297_B001_F021_I002_Redacted.jpg
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]."

Image
MSS1297_B001_F021_I019_Redacted.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (019)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11/4/2018 and reads: "June [last name redacted] My sincere heartfelt condolences to my Jewish family. This is a really heartfelt and sad time for me as Jews from Philadelphia sponsored me into this beautiful country allowing me to become a permanent resident. I lived with them for 18 months and raised their daughters as her nanny house keeper.

Image
MSS1297_B001_F022_I009_Redacted.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (051)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated Nov. 4, 2018 and reads: "Tree of Life, I give thanks daily to Yahweh, Father Abraham, Moses, and Jesus! We are all one with you, bonding with you, suffering with you, and healing with you! God help us all daily to Love, Joy, and Peace! Please let our pastor Karla Shaw know how we can help further! Shalom, Larry A. [last name redacted] Semper Fi America! San Diego, California."

Image
MSS1297_B001_F022_I067.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (109)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "My prayers are with you all during this unbelievable time of sadness for all of you in this congregation. I was so touched by the love... a beautiful outpouring of love, that you shared with one another during the vigils. The entire community is praying for all of you, and I hope that you are feeling surrounded by our love and prayers! Praying also for peace in our world! Kirsten, with love and blessings."

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_F022_I007_Redacted.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (049)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11/4/18 and reads: "Dear All, Our hearts are crying with you. We feel you[r] pain. We pray you can worship in your house and feel safe. With Halloween just passing, I am reminded of skeletons and the fact they all look the same. We can't tell someone's faith, color, etc. We are all the same- people of God. Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church is with you, supports you, cares for you. Mary [last name redacted] Elementary School Teacher."