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

Date – Cards

Group – Cards

Location – Cards

Event – Cards

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Gifts

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (13)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover contains the following quote: "Let your smile change the world. But don't let the world change your smile." Illustrated with a Star of David below. The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am sorry for the antisemitic attack on your place of worship. I hope this letter will you get through these hard times. I also hope the victims' families are doing well. We can get through this. - Sincerely, Goddard Middle School Student, Littleton, Colorado."

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Gifts

Friendship Circle of Illinois card (13)

Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The cover reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh, From: Ari [last name redacted]." The acronym "B"SD" (with the help of heaven) appears in the upper right corner. The left flap on the inside features a large smiley face. The right flap reads: "I feel very bad for you and there should be always good stuff. And there be no bad stuff and Moshiach should come right NOW!!" A smiley face has been inserted inside the letter O.

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Gifts

Friendship Circle of Illinois card (05)

Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The card reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live): I am very sorry that 11 of 10 people (Jewish) got shot. It's mamash (really) a very big tragedy. I will try to do everything I can to bring moshiach (the Messiah) and t'echias hamaisim (resurrection of the dead). And the cops tried shoot him and catch him but, there was no use. The robber already shot 11 people. Thank g-d they shot him.

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Gifts

Hebrew Academy of Montreal letter (5)

Typed letter from a student at Hebrew Academy, a private Jewish day school in Montreal, Quebec. The letter reads: "Dear Rabbi, My name is Joelle. I'm 10 years old. I live in Montreal. I go to Hebrew Academy, a private school. I'm sorry to hear that there was a shooting. I feel so bad. It doesn't matter what religion you are, you have to respect other[s] just the same way you have to respect Hashem (God). We should always know that we are stronger than hate. So bad things can't happen we have to faith and emunah (trust) in Hashem. I feel so bad. From: Joelle. P.S.

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Gifts

Dance Ministry, First Baptist Church, Berkley (Norfolk, VA) card

Condolence card from the Dance Ministry at the First Baptist Church, Berkley in Norfolk, Va. Yellow cover with pink roses and a stock poem about a rose. Left flap features stock message about comfort signed "from your friends at" First Baptist Church Berkley, indicated by the return address label. The right flap continues additional stock messaging and is signed "With love, blessings, comfort, and Peace! F.B.C.B. Dance Ministry."