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.

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Gifts

Hebrew Academy of Montreal letter (2)

Typed bilingual Hebrew and English letter from a student at Hebrew Academy, a private Jewish day school in Montreal, Quebec. In English the letter reads: "Dear Rabbi, I hope all is well. I'm talking to you from Montreal. I heard what happened last week and I want to say we have been saying Tehillim (Psalms) for you guys in Pittsburg[h]. The whole Jewish community is so sad and I want to say that we are really sorry. I hope all the injured will be okay and heal faster. Sincerely, Joshua [last name redacted]."

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Gifts

Holy Angels Parish (Pittsburgh, Pa.) card (36)

Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of a haloed dove flying in front of Noah's ark. The inside contains an illustrated tree, labeled "Tree of Life" and reads: "Tree of Life Members, I am really sorry for your loss. I'm praying for you everyday. May all people that have passed away rest in heaven peacefully, and all that are injured good luck to recovery. May all the souls' hearts that have been broken recover and rejoy: Much Love From, Elaina, Holy Angels Church, 6th Grade."

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Gifts

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (08)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover features the following quote: "No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted." An illustration of a rainbow appears below. The inside reads: "Dear Tree of Life Congregation, I am sorry for your loss. I am writing to you from Colorado. I would like you to know people far away care for you. I may not believe in Judaism but I believe your heart is in the right place. Sincerely, Uyen [last name redacted], Littleton, Colorado."

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Gifts

Friendship Circle of Illinois card (04)

Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The card reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live), I will daven for you and give extra tzadakah (charity) and nothing else should happen like what just happened and when moshiach (the Messiah) comes [?] and Hashem will do t'chiyat hameitim (resurrect the dead). The rest of your life should be successful. From so and so... which." The acronym "BS"D" (with the help of heaven), a common header in traditional Jewish letter-writing, appears in the upper left corner.

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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."