As of June 2026, collections from the former Imagebase site can now be accessed here. All are listed in the Collection Tree and can also be found through the search function. Images from Blacksburg and Virginia Tech reside primarily in the Historical Photograph Collection.
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Cards and Letters
Some of the most numerous messages received by Virginia Tech in the days, months, and years following April 16, 2007, were letters, cards, and other forms of correspondence that included reflections about the tragedy and the coming together of the Virginia Tech community and the world as a whole. Items include children's drawings, sympathy cards, condolence letters, and memorial cards with writings and illustrations, both by hand and by computer.
Sympathy card from anonymous child with drawing of a person at a pool, encouraging people to think happy thoughts to feel better. (C02290, Ms2008-020)
Sympathy card by unknown child. (C01209, Ms2008-020)
Anonymous card with positive messages : "strenth", "HOME", "hope", "Faith", "forever", "cherish..", "TOMORROW", "Love", and "peace". (C01825, Ms2008-020)
Sympathy card from anonymous source with quotes of support. (C01734, Ms2008-020)
A letter of condolence from an anonymous writer within a hand drawn heart. (C01597, Ms2008-020)
Child's letter expressing sympathy toward Virginia Tech students, with a drawing of a person saying "I hope you feel better". (C01837, Ms2008-020)
Anonymous card with message, cross in front of sunset, and HokieBird. (C01856, Ms2008-020)
Anonymous card with message, cross, and HokieBird. (C01856, Ms2008-020)
Child's drawing of candles and sparklers. (C02220, Ms2008-020)
Anonymous handwritten note including John 3:16 of the New Testament and with color heart drawings expressing sympathy. (C01600, Ms2008-020)
Handwritten note "Dear VA Tech, My heart is so very sad...", signed M.C., dated April 24, 2007. (C01825, Ms2008-020)
Anonymous handwritten note expressing sympathy from "Your friends in Delaware". (C01734, Ms2008-020)
Sympathy card contains a drawing of the HokieBird as a phoenix rising out of the ashes of April 16, 2007, events. (C02245, Ms2008-020)
Anonymous handwritten note that says "Tears, Sympathy, Concern, Blessings, Hope...", on standard greeting card with scene from Glacier Park. (C01596, Ms2008-020)
Anonymous handwritten note with peace sign. (C01146, Ms2008-020)
Anonymous handwritten note that says "May you have peace that passes all understanding". (C01146, Ms2008-020)
A memorial mass enrollment card from the Society of the Little Flower requested by "A Mother - Florida". (C02096, Ms2008-020)
Green card with drawing and names of victims. (C02361, Ms2008-020)
Anonymous Handwritten Note on Lined Paper Expressing Sympathy. (C01665, Ms2008-020)
Anonymous handwritten note expressing sympathy, "The courage + bravery that you all show...", and red hearts drawn across the paper. (C01741, Ms2008-020)
