The Collection

The October 27 Archive currently contains 1476 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 1476 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

Language – Cards

Creator – Cards

Group – Cards

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Event – Cards

  • Showing 1476 results for 
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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.

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Gifts

St. Peter's Episcopal Church (Londonderry, N. H.) card (11)

Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The envelope contains the handwritten inscription: "God Bless" [heart]. The front cover reads: "Faith is the friend that comes along when things just seem to go all wrong." The inside reads: "My mother and I were so saddened when we heard of the tragedy that occurred. It seems unthinkable that a human being could behave in such a deplorable manner. My mother and I are keeping everyone and their families in our hearts, minds and prayers.

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Gifts

Friendship Circle of Illinois card (10)

Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. On the left side, the card reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live), I will take upon myself to stay in shul (synagogue) at least for 3 aliyas (sections Torah reading where a congregant is called up to the reading podium). On the right side, the card contains cartoonish illustrations of a building and several figures. The acronym "B"SD" (with the help of heaven) appears on the upper right.

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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 (20)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The cover contains a quote attributed to the ancient Chinese philosopher, Confucius: "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall" in the upper left corner. The cover features a full-length illustration of a mountainous landscape with a deer at the center as the sun sets. The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am sorry that someone would ever do that. We're thinking about you all the way in Colorado. I'm a student in middle school. My name is Erin.

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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.