The Collection

The October 27 Archive currently contains 1476 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 1476 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

Date – Cards

Group – Cards

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Gifts

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (06)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. Cover features an illustration of an American flag and Israeli flag flanking a budding plant in the lower center, and a bilingual quote in English and Hebrew attributed to Ghandi in the upper center. In English, the quote reads: "Be the change you want to see in the world." The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am so sorry for your loss. It breaks my hear to hear about acts of Anti-Semitism. I am keeping you and your congregation in my heart and prayers.

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Gifts

Hebrew Academy of Montreal letter (2)

Typed bilingual Hebrew and English letter from a student at Hebrew Academy, a private Jewish day school in Montreal, Quebec. In English the letter reads: "Dear Rabbi, I hope all is well. I'm talking to you from Montreal. I heard what happened last week and I want to say we have been saying Tehillim (Psalms) for you guys in Pittsburg[h]. The whole Jewish community is so sad and I want to say that we are really sorry. I hope all the injured will be okay and heal faster. Sincerely, Joshua [last name redacted]."

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Gifts

New York State memorial flag (Richard Gottfried)

Miniature New York State flag. Wrapped around stem of flag is a slip of laminated yellow paper reading, "In Memory of our Brother RICHARD GOTTFRIED 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

Friendship Circle of Illinois card (11)

Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The front cover of the card reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live)." The card reads: "I feel so bad for you from now and there should be no more bad stuff and moshiach (the Messiah) should come right now!" The acronym "B"SD" (with the help of heaven) appears on the upper right corner of the left fold. There are two illustrations of large smiley faces wearing t-shirts with smiley faces and yarmulkes (skullcaps) with the Hebrew word moshiach (the Messiah).

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Gifts

Friendship Circle of Illinois card (10)

Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. On the left side, the card reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live), I will take upon myself to stay in shul (synagogue) at least for 3 aliyas (sections Torah reading where a congregant is called up to the reading podium). On the right side, the card contains cartoonish illustrations of a building and several figures. The acronym "B"SD" (with the help of heaven) appears on the upper right.

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Gifts

New York State memorial flag (Bernice Simon)

Miniature New York State flag. Wrapped around stem of flag is a slip of laminated yellow paper reading, "In Memory of our Sister BERNICE SIMON 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

"Aviva and Shosie" card

Handmade card in colored pencil on paper. The outside features a series of staples running down the side and two hole punches. Cream-colored yarn is tied in a bow around the left-hand hole. From right to left, the inside reads, in Hebrew: "Zachor" (remember) and "Love, Cat Dog. Me and family are so sorry." Assorted hearts appear on the right flap; a group of multicolored blocks with a heart-shaped cat or dog face on top appears on the left. The back is signed, on the lower center: "From Aviva and Shosie."

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Gifts

Magen David Yeshivah High School card (2)

Card from three students [last names redacted] at Magen David Yeshivah High School in Brooklyn, Ny. Front cover features an illustration of a house with a large rain cloud behind it; the rain falls on a small stick figure holding a heart below. The cover is addressed to the families of Pittsburgh. The upper flap inside features a pink heart in the center with rain clouds and raindrops on the left, a shining sun on the lower right, and a smiling face with symbols tumbling out in a diagonal ray.