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.

 

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Gifts

"Aviva and Shosie" card

Handmade card in colored pencil on paper. The outside features a series of staples running down the side and two hole punches. Cream-colored yarn is tied in a bow around the left-hand hole. From right to left, the inside reads, in Hebrew: "Zachor" (remember) and "Love, Cat Dog. Me and family are so sorry." Assorted hearts appear on the right flap; a group of multicolored blocks with a heart-shaped cat or dog face on top appears on the left. The back is signed, on the lower center: "From Aviva and Shosie."

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Gifts

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (24)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover contains the following quote attributed to the movie star, James Dean: "Dream as you'll live forever, live as you'll die today." A Star of David appears below. Another quote, attributed to the author, August [middle initial and last name redacted] appears on the bottom right: "An empty box in an empty room is hard to fill, but over time it fills slowly..." An open, empty box appears above.

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Gifts

Holy Angels Parish (Pittsburgh, Pa.) card (07)

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: "May your tree keep growing, members of the Tree of Life Synagogue. From: Connor, Grade 7, Holy Angels CCD." The handwritten message is accompanied by an illustrated tree.

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Gifts

Beth Chai Congregation (Bethesda, Md.) letter (21)

Folded card with marker illustration. Cover reads, "You are great the way you are and nothing can stop that no matter what." Interior reads, "I hope you guys feel better. This card is for you and I hope it makes you guys feel better. You guys should be treated the way you are no matter what. Don't let people hurt you. You are stronger than them" and the name "Howard [last name redacted for privacy]." Back cover reads "I wish you the best of luck" with smiling heart.

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Gifts

St. Peter's Episcopal Church (Londonderry, N. H.) card (09)

Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The envelope contains the following handwritten message: "Peace and Comfort." The front cover reads: "LOVE." The inside reads: "Dear Family in God, There are not any adequate words to express the horror of what happened to you in your synagogue. May the love of God and those near and far begin to heal the hurt of your losses. Our heartfelt love and prayers are with you in fellowship. Peace and comfort to you.