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_I060_Redacted.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (102)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated Nov. 4, 2018 and reads: "To the beautiful Tree of Life community in Pittsburgh from a Presbyterian in San Diego: Shalom... May your deepest sorrows be comforted by God's soothing peace. May you feel the support of others around the world. Imagine me, a teacher named Carolyn V., carrying 2 buckets to hold your tears and mine as I grieve with you. Never let evil win. LOVE WILL TRIUMPH. Love from C. [last name redacted] [heart symbol]."

Image
MSS1297_B001_F022_I031.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (073)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Tree of Life Synagogue, We learned in church today, our Pastor Karla lived in the community where the tragic incident happened last week. We feel even more insight and sorrow for all involved. We want to offer our love, empathy, future blessings and also prayers for every family affected. We grieve for you, we pray for you, we pray for us all to be as one, we love you. Your San Diego friends in Christ from Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church.

Image
MSS1297_B001_F022_I041_Redacted.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (083)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated Nov. 4, 2018 and reads: "Dear Friends, I'm at a loss for words to think about the horror you've experienced and the hate that has been directed towards you. Our hearts break with you and I am so sorry this has happened to you. We are with you and are and continue to be praying for you. We are praying for comfort, protection and healing. We love you! Greg and Stephanie [last name redacted] and family."

Image
MSS1297_B001_F022_I015_Redacted.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (057)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated November 4, 2018 and reads: "Dear Friends, May I never understand the anger and the hatred that has been loosed on you in Pittsburgh. May the awful misunderstanding that leads to these feelings in too many others be washed from the face of the Earth. I am ashamed for so many on our planet, whether they murder Jews, Coptics, journalists, or perceived blasphemers. And I am angered by the fomenting of such terror by our leaders and by the silence of our politicians.

Image
MSS1297_B001_F022_I016_Redacted.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (058)

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 my brothers and sisters at the Tree of Life Synagogue: When I was young in Denver, Colorado our Congregation Church (First Plymouth) and the Temple Micah shared our building. The Rabbi was wonderful and we combined our youth groups and spent weekends and retreats together. It was highlight of my life to learn how common our shared heritage and beliefs were across what had been presented to me as "separateness." So untrue!!

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_I047.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (089)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11-4-2018 and reads: "Dear Friends, I wish I was there to put my arms around all of you but all I have is this paper and pen. May you sense comfort and care through these note and know that I and many more from the community in San Diego stand in solidarity with you and your community. We condemn such violence against God's children whom we all are on this earth and hope for a time of safety and peace throughout, soon!! God's peace, Sandy."

Image
MSS1297_B001_F021_I030_Redacted.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (030)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "From Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church, San Diego. Dear members of Tree of Life synagogue, Our hearts ache for your loss and we pray that God will give you peace and hope. We also pray that as a nation and as people of God, we can overcome this senseless hatred. We love you, Judy [last name redacted]."

Image
MSS1297_B001_F021_I031.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (031)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated Nov. 4, 2018 and reads: "Dear Sisters and Brothers, Please hold fast to the promise of God's power and presence in all things. While we have choices He has the final word on how our circumstances, losses, and gains will serve His kingdom. You are loved, prayed for, and supported by many in this trying and confusing time, and always. Please reach out the community of believers for any need. Thank you for your continued faith and courage, which inspires generations.