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

Baycrest Jewish Home for the Aged card (2)

Hand painted card by a resident of the Baycrest Jewish Home for the Aged in Toronto, Canada. The front cover features a colorful floral wreath with the words "Thinking of you." The inside contains a typed message conveying condolences from Toronto, including the traditional Jewish mourning blessing in English translation, English transliteration, and Hebrew, "May God comfort you among the rest of the mourners in Zion and Jerusalem."
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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (030)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "From Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church, San Diego. Dear members of Tree of Life synagogue, Our hearts ache for your loss and we pray that God will give you peace and hope. We also pray that as a nation and as people of God, we can overcome this senseless hatred. We love you, Judy [last name redacted]."

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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]."

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Gifts

Hebrew Academy of Montreal letter (3)

Typed Hebrew letter from a student at Hebrew Academy, a private Jewish day school in Montreal, Quebec. Translated into English, the letter reads: "Dear Rabbi from the Tree of Life Congregation, My name is Hannah [last name redacted]. I am a student at Hebrew Academy of Montreal. I am truly sorry about what happened to your holy synagogue. I hope that this will not happen again. I give [?] all your family and loved ones of your synagogue."

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Gifts

Friendship Circle of Illinois card (04)

Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The card reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live), I will daven for you and give extra tzadakah (charity) and nothing else should happen like what just happened and when moshiach (the Messiah) comes [?] and Hashem will do t'chiyat hameitim (resurrect the dead). The rest of your life should be successful. From so and so... which." The acronym "BS"D" (with the help of heaven), a common header in traditional Jewish letter-writing, appears in the upper left corner.

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Gifts

The Church at Severn Run card (17)

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: "To my Brothers and Sisters, In spite of the fear, ignorance and hate, may your resolve grow stronger and your love grow bolder. Bless God and God Bless, Brenda." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.