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.

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  • Showing 1476 results for 
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Gifts

Holy Angels Parish (Pittsburgh, Pa.) card (43)

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 surrounded by hearts. The tree is labeled "Tree of Life" on the branches and "Synagogue" below. The card reads: "Tree of Life, I am so sorry for your loss. We will pray and keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We will continue to pray for you at the nights come. Have a great day! Love, Natalie T. Holy Angels CCD, 6th grade."

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (077)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated Nov. 4 and reads: "Dear Tree of Life Members, We send our love and sympathy to you. We stand by you and all your global family for life. You are our brothers and sisters cherished our heritage through your and our future promises with you. With prayers and love, Rev. Dr. Larry [last name redacted]."

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Gifts

Dance Ministry, First Baptist Church, Berkley (Norfolk, VA) card

Condolence card from the Dance Ministry at the First Baptist Church, Berkley in Norfolk, Va. Yellow cover with pink roses and a stock poem about a rose. Left flap features stock message about comfort signed "from your friends at" First Baptist Church Berkley, indicated by the return address label. The right flap continues additional stock messaging and is signed "With love, blessings, comfort, and Peace! F.B.C.B. Dance Ministry."

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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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Websites

Shooting prompts Pittsburgh synagogues to go on lockdown but worship services continue

Summary: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report detailing how several Jewish institutions in Allegheny County responded to the immediate breaking news of the October 27 attack. Includes reports from Shaare Torah Congregation, Chabad of South Hills, and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. Includes comments from the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh detailing security measures undertaken within the Jewish community in recent years. Report also includes quotes from a havdalah vigil held at the corner of Murray and Forbes avenues on the evening of the attack.

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Gifts

The Church at Severn Run card (16)

Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note is enclosed in an envelope with church letterhead, reading: "The Church at Severn Run: Love Well, Live Jesus, Believe Big!" The note inside reads: The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope. "Our hearts are burdened by what happened in Pittsburgh. We know that we serve the same G-d and the G-d of the Old and New Testaments does not call us to violence each other. We pray for healing in Pittsburgh, in synagogues throughout America and for love from all churches.