The icon which characterizes Jonestown in the public mind is a picture of a galvanized metal vat, surrounded by bloated bodies. This image dehumanizes the victims, however, and disconnects us from the tragedy.

The fact is, those who died in Jonestown were real people, with families, friends, and loved ones. The best way to appreciate this fact is to read personal reflections by those with direct knowledge of Peoples Temple and its members.

The articles below offer a wide range of perspectives on the life of Peoples Temple and the deaths in Jonestown. All were written by former members and relatives of the people who died. While each individual story brings a powerful voice to any consideration of the events of 18 November 1978, their totality contributes to an even more important – if sometimes cacophonous – body of work. For that reason, these stories represent the foundation for an online collection of perspectives which we hope will grow over the years.

We invite other members and families of Peoples Temple – whatever your views on the tragedy of Jonestown and the factors that led to its end – to join in this chorus. Contact us at remoore@mail.sdsu.edu so that we may add your story.

The Trauma of Marriage to a Temple Survivor (2003) __Printable version.

Jonestown Relative Issues Call to Action by Susan Ashby (2007)

Reflections and articles by Kathryn (Tropp) Barbour

Reflections and Articles by Don Beck

“Larry Layton and Peoples Temple: Twenty-Five Years Later” by Frank Bell (2003) __Printable version.

What 30 Years Has Done, by Greg Bower (2008)

“The Anniversary Syndrome” by Jeff Brailey (2003) __Printable version.

Poetry of Terri Buford

Reflections and Articles by Mike Carter

Reflections and Articles by Tim Carter

Reflections and Articles by Mike Cartmell

The Art of Patti Chastain Haag

“A Few Words And Booklist” by Jim Cobb (2006)

Theologies of Oppression, by Arlander Ronnie Cole (2008)

Reflections and Articles by June and Gene Cordell

What Did November 18, 1978 Do To Me? by Donna Cordell Lawrence (2008)

Meeting The Lady I Never Knew by Chris Demirdjian (2007)

30 Years of Silence, by Kim Dutra Arvold (2008)

Reflections and Articles by Prophet/Pastor Hue Fortson, Jr.

The Memories That Sustain Me, by Dawn Gardfrey (2008)

“Notes on Peoples Temple” by Carlton B. Goodlett (1988) __Printable version.

Reflections and Articles by Vern Gosney

Living Through the Pain, by Silvia Harrill (2008)

Still a Father, 30 Years Later, by Sherwin Harris (2008)

Reflections and Articles by Lela Howard

A Young Girl’s Story, by Bunny Jackson (2008)

State of Mind, by Claire Janaro (2008)

“Remembrances” By Janet (2003) __Pritable version.

The Death of Innocence by Pinkie Jones

Reflections and Articles by Stephan Jones

Investigation, Reflections and Articles by Laurie Efrein Kahalas

Reflections and Articles by Laura Johnston Kohl

“The Longest Twenty Years” by Bryan Kravitz (2003) __Printable version.

Reflections and Articles by Garrett Lambrev

Chasing Serenity, by Deborah Layton (2008)

Relatives’ Lives Divided into Before & After Jonestown, by Dea McConnell (2008)

Recovering the Simple Pleasures in Life, by Diana Mertle Mills (2008)

From Baby Steps to Long Strides, by Linda Mertle (2008)

“Linda Harris: A Remembrance” by Virgil Miller (2003) __Printable version.

“The Deaths of Two Daughters: Grieving and Remembering” by Barbara Moore (1988)__ Printable version.

Reflections and Articles by John V Moore

“Jonestown: Catalyst for Social Change” by Robert B. Moore (1988) __ Printable version.

Reflections and Articles by Hattie Newell

“Together We Stood, Divided We Fell” by B. Alethia Orsot (1988) ___Printable version.

Thank You by Vicki Perry (2007)

“Remarks at the Nineteenth Anniversary Memorial Service for the Victims of the Jonestown Tragedy” by Mary R. Sawyer (1997) __ Printable version.

“The plain ugly truth” by Dianne E. Scheid (2006)

“David Richard Shular – A Remembrance, One Year Later” by Janet Louden Shular

Reflections and Articles by Andy Silver

“The Pain That Never Leaves” by Barbara Sines (2004)

Reflections and Articles by Neva Sly Hargrave

Reflections and Articles by Juanell "Nell" Smart

Moments in Time by Eugene Smith (2007)

“To the Survivors of Peoples Temple” by Tim Stoen (2003) __Printable version.

Reflections and Articles by Jordan Vilchez

A Continual Journey of Faith, by Leslie Wagner-Wilson Fortier-Cathey (2008)
       Slavery of Faith, by Leslie Wagner-Wilson Fortier-Cathey (2008)

Reflections and Articles by Vera Washington

Reflections and Articles by David Parker Wise