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

Image
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.

Show filters

Primary Type – Cards

Language – Cards

Date – Cards

Group – Cards

Event – Cards

Image
MSS1297_B001_F022_I052_Redacted.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (094)

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 Members of the Tree of Life Synagogue, An attack on your community of faith is an attack on all of us. We stand with you from afar, and renounce the hatred that brought that madman to your door. Our pastor, Karla Shaw, will deliver this letter (and many others) as a sign of our solidarity with your community. This is a tangible sign of our prayers for your community- for peace, for protection, for security, for understanding.

Image
MSS1297_B001_F022_I065_Redacted.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (107)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear friends, My heart and prayers are with all of you as you process your loss and the events in these past few days. May God's presence and comfort be showered on every one of you. I cannot even begin to imagine... I pray for God's grace and blessings. With love, Cheryl [last name redacted]."

Image
MSS1297_B001_F022_I051_Redacted.jpg
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."

Image
MSS1297_B001_F022_I040.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (082)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Friends, I offer my deepest sadness and sorrow for the loss that you all have experienced. In no ways can I understand what you're going through as a community, but I want you to know that you're not suffering alone. My heart is breaking for what is breaking yours. May you all know that your Christian brothers and sisters in faith are standing by your side and supporting you with unconditional love. We are all a family, so what hurts one hurts us all.

Image
MSS1297_B001_F022_I006_Redacted.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (048)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11/4/18 and reads: "Dear Tree of Life Synagogue, Please accept our heartfelt condolences in the loss of your beloved congregation members, from our congregation at Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, CA. In LA, I grew up living next to a Rabbi (Marvin Bornstein) and his dear family. He was familiar with loss as well, having left medical school in Vienna at the onset of WW II. I learned from his example of love, tolerance and peace.

Image
MSS1297_B001_F021_I035_Redacted.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (035)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated Nov. 4, '18 and reads: "We are so sorry to learn of the horrible tragedy that has befallen your church. Please know that we at Point Loma Pres. in San Diego are with you in prayer always and that God will always make things right in His own time and way. Stay strong in His word and trust Him to heal your hearts. In this we pray and support you from afar. Eric [last name redacted] PLPC."

Image
MSS1297_B001_F022_I017_Redacted.jpg
Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (059)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11/4/18 and reads: "To the families and friends of Tree of Life Synagogue: Please be comforted by the prayers for your losses- offered up by believers of many faiths. Only God can know why this tragedy occurred, but know that He will hold you in his loving arms to heal you with his abiding love and faithfulness. The prayer quilt is tired with countless prayers as well. Be comforted when you see it.

Image
MSS_1297_B001_F008_I001_P001.jpg
Gifts

Elizabethtown College (Elizabethtown, Pa.) letter

Letter from administrators and affiliated staff at The Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking at Elizabethtown College. The front of the letter is inscribed with letterhead from the The Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking at Elizabethtown College. Message reads: "Elizabethtown College's Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking shares our concerns and prayers for your community at this sad and difficult time.

Image
MSS1297_B002_F005_I004_P001.jpg
Gifts

"Michelle" letter

Handwritten letter written in black ink on lined notebook paper from Michelle. Michelle is a lifelong Pittsburgher whose mother worked in Squirrel Hill when Sophie Masloff, Pittsburgh's first Jewish and female mayor, was in office. Michelle recalls her mother's pride in serving Masloff. Michelle notes that she is a student at the University of Pittsburgh and currently lives in Squirrel Hill. She apologizes for being "neglectful" of her ties with the Jewish community. She wrote this letter to extend "my very friendly hello" and to communicate her solidarity.