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

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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

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Event – Cards

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (045)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Words can't begin to express the sorrow we have felt and experienced as a church, country and people for the senseless loss and hatred you all have experienced. We pray and hope you feel God's peace, comfort and loss in this time of great sorrow. Love will win. Peace will win. Always. Your sister in God's love..."

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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]."

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (052)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear families in Christ, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your broken hearts for losing your loved ones are so suddenly happened and only Christ can heal- may His Holy love and joy wrapped you and comfort you. May all sweet, great, and wonderful memories stay close in your [heart symbol], your minds, and souls. Your love to your lost one couldn't be taken away- stay strong and keep faith. God bless you all. Euny [last name redacted]."

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (093)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Friends, Words cannot express our sorrow the losses you all have endured. That your community of faith, love, peace was assaulted with such hatred and brokenness-our hearts ache for you all. We stand with you in faith and love in the face of such destruction. We stand with you in prayers for comfort and healing in the midst of your pain. We stand with you as a force for love in a hurting world. The [last name redacted] Family, Lauren, Joel, Kieran, Micah."

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (061)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The front cover features a heart with the words "Love and Peace" in the center. The inside reads: "To the Tree of Life Synagogue- May you begin to heal in the days that follow. May you feel love from those around you. You are not alone in your pain. You are not alone in your confusion. We are together with you. Know that love and peace will surround you from now until eternity. Though we may be of different faiths, our love for one another does not change...

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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]."

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (104)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Members of the Tree of Life Synagogue- My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of 11 of your friends, family, and members. The members of my church, Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California have been praying for your congregation. We hope and pray that over time your hearts will heal and peace will enter to fill the void left by the 11. El."

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (095)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "We are thinking of you and hope you may find peace during this tough. You and your families are in our thoughts. I know God is thinking of you and will keep you protected in his hands while you go through this. It is not fair and we won't understand why this happens. It is terrible and God doesn't give us more than we can handle but it sure feels that way sometime. Just keep peace in your heart and forgiveness for this senseless act.

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (008)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "To Members of Tree of Life and your community, We stand with you! I am praying for spiritual and physical healing for those who were injured or affected by the awful act of hatred directed at you. We serve an all-powerful God of mercy and love and I pray that you are comforted knowing that there are many who are lifting prayers on your behalf. May you as a community of faith be encouraged and healed. Pam [last name redacted]."