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.

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Language – 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 (073)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Tree of Life Synagogue, We learned in church today, our Pastor Karla lived in the community where the tragic incident happened last week. We feel even more insight and sorrow for all involved. We want to offer our love, empathy, future blessings and also prayers for every family affected. We grieve for you, we pray for you, we pray for us all to be as one, we love you. Your San Diego friends in Christ from Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church.

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Gifts

Holy Angels Parish (Pittsburgh, Pa.) card (13)

Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of seven children holding hands around a table with a large goblet and loaf of braided bread, and seven doves. The illustration is labeled: "We are people of God's peace." The inside reads: "Dear Tree of Life member. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Holy Angels\CCD. Jason [last name redacted]." Due to water exposure at the memorial site, the ink on this card has partially lifted.

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (102)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated Nov. 4, 2018 and reads: "To the beautiful Tree of Life community in Pittsburgh from a Presbyterian in San Diego: Shalom... May your deepest sorrows be comforted by God's soothing peace. May you feel the support of others around the world. Imagine me, a teacher named Carolyn V., carrying 2 buckets to hold your tears and mine as I grieve with you. Never let evil win. LOVE WILL TRIUMPH. Love from C. [last name redacted] [heart symbol]."

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Gifts

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (09)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover contains the following quote: "The secret of CHANGE is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new." An illustration of three flowers flanked by trees on either side, and a Star of David, appear below. The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am a 7th grade student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Colorado. I am sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Josie [redacted], Littleton, Colorado." The signature is accompanied by a heart.

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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.

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Gifts

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (04)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. Front cover contains the following quote: "Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you happiness and bad days give you experience." Shows three small Stars of David on the far left and a cartoonish illustration of a stick figure pushing a pull with a Star of David on top of a heart up a hill on the center right. Inside reads: "Dear Tree of Life Congregation, My name is Yahir [last named redacted] and we heard what happened and we want you to [k]now that we pray for you.

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Gifts

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (16)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover features a large Star of David and contains the following quote attributed to Albert Einstein: "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am sorry for your loss, and violence. I am a student from all the way from Denver, Colorado. So from all of us from Colorado we give you good wishes. Sincerely, Will [last name redacted]."

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Gifts

Friendship Circle of Illinois card (08)

Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The front cover reads: "From Eli [last name redacted] Chicago, Il." The inside reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live), We were all so sad when he heard the news. We all hope very soon there will be tichiat hameitim (resurrection of the dead). My hachlata (resolution) is to look in my siddur (prayer book) while I daven (pray)." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.