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.

Show filters

Primary Type – Cards

Language – Cards

Date – Cards

Group – Cards

Event – Cards

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (071)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Our dear brothers and sisters at Tree of Life, You are not alone! I pray that God, our father, will fill you to overflowing with His peace and love as you mourn the loss of your family. May you find comfort in the knowledge that even in this tragedy God is in control and will bring beauty from the ashes. 'My comfort in my suffering in this: Your promise preserves my life.' Psalm 119:50."

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (073)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Tree of Life Synagogue, We learned in church today, our Pastor Karla lived in the community where the tragic incident happened last week. We feel even more insight and sorrow for all involved. We want to offer our love, empathy, future blessings and also prayers for every family affected. We grieve for you, we pray for you, we pray for us all to be as one, we love you. Your San Diego friends in Christ from Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church.

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (091)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "To the Tree of Life Community, We are praying for you in San Diego and sending you blessings through this difficult time. God is with you and holding your members who passed in His loving hand. May His light fill your hearts during these dark times and remind you of His love even through the things we cannot explain. Bless you, Gresham." An illustration of a tree filled with hearts appears below.

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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 (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 (089)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11-4-2018 and reads: "Dear Friends, I wish I was there to put my arms around all of you but all I have is this paper and pen. May you sense comfort and care through these note and know that I and many more from the community in San Diego stand in solidarity with you and your community. We condemn such violence against God's children whom we all are on this earth and hope for a time of safety and peace throughout, soon!! God's peace, Sandy."

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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 (060)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "To GOD's people in the Tree of Life Synagogue, Deep love and care from hurting hearts and encouragement in the difficulties every day. May the deep love of our GOD sustain you, strengthen you and give you peace. May GOD's deep shalom surround you, Chris and Martha (last name redacted), Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church San Diego, California."

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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]."