The Archive | October 27 Archive

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.

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Photograph showing selection of archival materials

Showing 42 results for
5898 Wilkins Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15217x

Card with Schenley Park scene

Card with a photograph of a tree in Schenley Park on a misty day. The inside reads: "Our hearts are heavy as we grieve for the losses and pray for unity and strength. In sympathy, Helen and John [last name redacted]." The photograph on the card was taken by Lisa Seligman, a Pittsburgh-based nature photographer.

Catholic solidarity card

Card with a peacock on the front cover. The card reads: "A Catholic who loves all Jewish people! A friend, a neighbor, she loves you."

"In times of such sadness" card

Card with wreath with a medallion affixed to velvet ribbon which reads: "In times of such sadness, there [a]re no words...[ans]wers...[l]ove. So much love." The inside reads: "Wishing you all the blessings of love and remembrance. Our hearts are with you! Jennie, Jaime, and Adeline."

"Caring Thoughts Are With You" card

Card with handwritten notes from various members of one family members. Front cover features white flowers on an ombre background and reads: "Caring Thoughts Are With You." The inside contains messages of support to all the families affected by the October 27 attack.

"There are no words" card

Card with daffodils and a stock message about sadness on the front cover. The sender, Nancy, explains that she sent this card because "I really don't have the words for the horror and anger I feel." Nancy condemns "weak gun laws, hate crime inciting speech" and vows to try and prevent more such attacks.

Card with angel

Sympathy card with illustration of youthful female angel holding a dove before a window looking out onto a garden landscape with flowers, a cobblestone path, and trees. The inside contains a handwritten message conveying the sender's condolences to all the affected families.

"Megan," "Lindsay" and "Jenna" card

Card with polka dots on the cover. The card is addressed "Neighbors" and affirms the three senders' thoughts and prayers for the "victims, family members, and friends at Tree of Life."

"Faith, Hope, and Love" card

Envelope and card signed by E. Smith. Cover features a quote from 1 Corinthians 13:13. The inside contains the following handwritten note: "Praying for Peace, Unity, and Love for the community. [Heart] E. Smith

Red tulips card

Card with photograph of three red tulips on the front cover. The inside contains words of sympathy and prayer from the [last name redacted] family.

Tree trunk pattern card

Card with tree trunk pattern on the front cover. The inside contains a message of sympathy and solidarity. Signed with a heart.

"With Sympathy" card

Sympathy card with Star of David on the front cover. The inside reads: "Praying for spiritual and physical healing for the community and the entire city. [Heart] E. Smith."

Card with tulips

Card with reproduction of a painting with three red tulips by Marcia Long from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The inside contains messages of sympathy from two families. The senders included biblical quotes from Numbers 6:24-26 and Psalm 23: 4,6 in their message.

"A Neighbor in Squirrel Hill" card

Card and envelope featuring hand-drawn image of dove. Message in card expounds upon the biblical association of the dove as a symbol of peace.

"A Message of Sympathy" card

Card with a photograph of fall foliage overlooking a lake with the words: "A Message of Sympathy" in the upper right. The note inside contains a message from Anita E. [last name redacted] and all Pittsburghers living in Maryland, reading: "We are Stronger Than Hate!!! Take care [smiley face]."

"Healing, Peace, Rest" card

Card with illustration of a sunset over a mountain landscape with daisies in the foreground, and the words "Healing, Peace, Rest" in the upper center. The inside reads: "We oppose hate with you. Our hearts ache along with yours. With love, Sue and Eddie, Sammy and Benny."

Card with trees and sea landscape

Card with handwritten note addressed to the Tree Life of Congregation. The front cover features a quote from Isaiah 41:10 and a photograph of the sun setting over a beach landscape with trees. The letter contains word of support from "a Christian neighbor, Judy."

Multicolored flowers card

Card with a pattern of multicolored flowers on the front cover. The message inside has faded due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial. It begins in Hebrew, reading: "Peace in our days, Tree of Life." It concludes in English, reading: "Never forget 10.27.2018."

Two dragonflies card

Card with illustration of two dragonflies on the cover. Message affirms the power of love to triumph over hate. The information on the back indicates that this card was purchased in support of UNICEF, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund.

Or [redacted] card

Handwritten card in blue marker expressing condolences and affirming belief in the resilience of the Jewish people. Signed with the phrase "Am Yisrael Chai" (The People of Israel Live).

Card with trees

Card with photograph of trees and stock sympathy language. The inside contains a handwritten note, reading: "Our deepest sympathy. The [last name redacted] family."