The Collection

The October 27 Archive currently contains 1579 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 1579 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

Primary Type – Cards

Language – Cards

Creator – Cards

Date – Cards

Group – Cards

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Gifts

New York State memorial flag (Daniel Stein)

Miniature New York State flag. Wrapped around stem of flag is a slip of laminated yellow paper reading, "In Memory of our Brother DANIEL STEIN z''l -- To his family and community we pray Tanuchamo min hashamayim. May God in Heaven comfort you. The Principals, Teachers, Parents, Alumni, and Students of Magen David Yeshivah. Brooklyn, NY." Part of a series of 11 flags, each dedicated to one of the victims. Additional photograph shows the entire set of 11.

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Gifts

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (19)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front and back cover contains the following quote attributed to the medieval Persian poet, Rumi: "Don't grieve, anything you lose comes around in another form." The words in the quote are overlaid with red, green, and blue shading. A large Star of David enclosed by three circles appears below. The upper flap inside reads: "Just because the light stopped shining, doesn't mean we're stuck in darkness. The moon comes out, but the sun still comes up every day.

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Gifts

The Church at Severn Run card (16)

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: The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope. "Our hearts are burdened by what happened in Pittsburgh. We know that we serve the same G-d and the G-d of the Old and New Testaments does not call us to violence each other. We pray for healing in Pittsburgh, in synagogues throughout America and for love from all churches.

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Gifts

West Allegheny Middle School card (015)

Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of the word: "Smile" and other floral and geometric motifs. The back contains a handwritten note in fuchsia pencil, reading: "I've lost loved ones I care about and know how hard it is. Please know I am thinking about you and I'm sorry for your loss." The stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School" appears on the bottom right.

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (018)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The front cover of this card features a heart with the words "God is love." The inside reads: "May you find God's comfort in knowing we are with you in spirit- May the spirit of God stir in the souls of all on our earth to stop the violence against God's people. We want peace on earth and it starts with us knowing our God of peace and love. God bless you and your whole community of believers. Pt Loma Community Pres. Church Loves you all."

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Gifts

Friendship Circle of Illinois card (12)

Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The front of the card reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live)." The inside reads: "I have [heard] about the terrible news that happened and I feel very very bad for you. I hope moshiach (the Messiah) should come now so we could join with them now!!!" Multiple stars of David and smiley faces are integrated into the text of this card. Spelling errors corrected for clarity.