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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Primary Type – Cards

Language – Cards

Creator – Cards

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Event – Cards

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  • Cardx
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Gifts

Fountain Valley School (Colorado Springs, Co.) card (8)

Rectangular card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. Front reads: "Dear members of Tree of Life, I'm from Japan and I am writing this letter because on extremely sad news about Jewish people came up yesterday. I'm feeling awfully sorry for Jewish people. I've been learning about 3 monotheistic re[li]gions from last month, so it also made me feel that I have connection with every single Jewish person.

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Gifts

Holy Angels Parish (Pittsburgh, Pa.) card (11)

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: "To Tree of Life members and to Jewish everywhere. Adam and Eve let sin in the world, but God gave us another option, Jesus. But through terrorism nothing ever, will drive us apart from being a religious nation. We are one people if they are any differences we should talk them out.

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Gifts

Baycrest Jewish Home for the Aged card (2)

Hand painted card by a resident of the Baycrest Jewish Home for the Aged in Toronto, Canada. The front cover features a colorful floral wreath with the words "Thinking of you." The inside contains a typed message conveying condolences from Toronto, including the traditional Jewish mourning blessing in English translation, English transliteration, and Hebrew, "May God comfort you among the rest of the mourners in Zion and Jerusalem."
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Gifts

Holy Angels Parish (Pittsburgh, Pa.) card (44)

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. It is signed: "[S]ean [last name redacted] Holy Angels CCD Grade 5." Due to water exposure at the memorial site, the message in this card has been partially erased. The remaining text inside reads: "[D]ear Tree of Life Members, I am very sorry of what happened... that peace is comforting everyone...tragedy in synagogue. P.S. Peace be with you.

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Gifts

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (23)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover reads: "F.e.a.r. has two meanings- Forget everything and run OR Face everything and rise. The choice is yours." A star of David and cartoonish illustration of a smiling boy wearing a red baseball cap appear below; a shining sun in the upper right corner. The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, We are sorry for your loss and we hope you are recovering well. -Aiden G. Littleton, Colorado." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.