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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Language – Cards

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  • Showing 1476 results for 
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Gifts

Balloon and Flag Arrangement

Glass vase with four blue and white star-shaped balloons and a miniature American flag. Handwritten in black marker on white balloon is "Love One Another Right Now" with two hearts. Attached to front of vase is typed note that reads, "For our beloved neighbors that worshipped at the Tree of Life Synagogue, with great sadness, but also with a recommitment to a world of justice, reason, and love - [redacted], Chatham University;-[redacted], Washington DC - [redacted], Fouzhou China- [redacted], Sao Paulo Brazil."

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Gifts

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (21)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front and back cover reads: "One of the happiest moments ever is when you find the courage to let go of what you can change." The inside reads: "Dear Tree of Life Congregation, I am so very, very sorry for your loss (losses). I know what it's like to lose someone. I am Camden. I am a student at Goddard Middle School. I am 13. I think that what happened with the shooting was not ok. Just because people have beliefs that are different it doesn't give people the right to do something that.

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (057)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated November 4, 2018 and reads: "Dear Friends, May I never understand the anger and the hatred that has been loosed on you in Pittsburgh. May the awful misunderstanding that leads to these feelings in too many others be washed from the face of the Earth. I am ashamed for so many on our planet, whether they murder Jews, Coptics, journalists, or perceived blasphemers. And I am angered by the fomenting of such terror by our leaders and by the silence of our politicians.

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Gifts

The Church at Severn Run card (82)

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: "You are God's chosen people. He loves you so much and so do we. We pray that love wins in your synagogue every day. God bless, The Church at Severn Run." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.

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Gifts

Star of David memorial (Jerry Rabinowitz)

Wooden pedestal painted white with white Star of David and red heart affixed to front. Handwritten in pencil and black marker on the Star of David is the name "Jerry Rabinowitz." (The name is misspelled as "Terry Rabinowitz.) Collaged onto the heart are white pieces of paper and a translation of Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Accompanying image shows all 11 Stars of David in the series.