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

Language – Cards

Creator – Cards

Group – Cards

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Event – Cards

  • Showing 1333 results for 
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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (039)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Hello, Dear Friends- I am a visitor at this church today- as the wife of a Catholic with a Jewish son-in-law and a nephew who lives on Squirrel Hill Ave- I just had to send some Presbyterian prayers as you grieve and recover. We are all the Family of God! Love and blessings- Mary Ellen [last name redacted]."

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Gifts

Star of David memorial (Cecil Rosenthal)

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 "Cecil Rosenthal." 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." Affixed to one side of the pedestal is a black sticker with the word "LOVE" in white letters. Accompanying image shows all 11 Stars of David in the series.

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Gifts

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (02)

Envelope addressed to Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of Tree of Life. Front cover of the enclosed Hallmark card features floral imagery and says "Thinking of You." Inside reads: "My only connection to each of you is that of a fellow caring, loving human spirit that has the incredible gift of being able to learn and exist with all other living beings on this Earth. Even though that is my only tie to each of you, it is strong enough to share in your sadness and loss..." Continues on the back: "As a community and as a fellow human. May love always conquer hat and fear.

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (109)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "My prayers are with you all during this unbelievable time of sadness for all of you in this congregation. I was so touched by the love... a beautiful outpouring of love, that you shared with one another during the vigils. The entire community is praying for all of you, and I hope that you are feeling surrounded by our love and prayers! Praying also for peace in our world! Kirsten, with love and blessings."

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Gifts

"May Your Memories Bring You Comfort" card

Card addressed to Rabbi Jeffrey Myers and Tree of Life synagogue from members of an extended family living in Massillon, Oh. (two hour drive from Pittsburgh), as well as Portland, Or., Vancouver, Canada, and San Antonio, Tx. The senders extend their heartfelt sympathies to Rabbi Myers and the entire Tree of Life family. They appended a note on the back flap of the envelope specifying that they brought a stone from the Sea of Galilee.
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Gifts

Splatter painting with tree

Splatter painting on paper with a black background speckled with paint and a yellow tree with eleven flames symbolizing the eleven victims of the October 27 attack. Signed lower right [signature illegible]. Inscribed on the back with the following message: "Tree of Life. Pittsburg[h] PA. 10.27.18. Dean [last name redacted] family, Tree of Life community." Spelling errors corrected for clarity. Creasing and holes due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.