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

"Comfort and Peace" card

Card with illustration of purple iris flowers. Gold string inserted into the spine functions as a handle. Inside contains a handwritten note, reading: "Love and solidarity. Jossie and Jackie."

White flowers card

Card with white flowers on a light blue background on the flap. The inside reads: "We are one race- HUMAN! Love is stronger than hate. We will remember those that lost their lives. God bless."

Card with raised hands and flowers

Card addressed to Tree of Life Congregation and its spiritual leader Rabbi Jeffrey Myers. The front cover features an illustration of raised hands holding a bouquet of flowers with bees and a fluttering butterfly. The inside contains a message of support and sincere offer of assistance from a fellow Pittsburgh resident [last name and phone number redacted].

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.

Rose card

Card with large pink rose on the cover with note from Amanda, Jon, Anne Elisabeth, Daniel, and Jay [last name redacted] inside."

"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.

"Mazon" card

Card with mosaic pattern evoking a flame on the front cover. The inside contains a note of sympathy from the board and staff of Mazon, as well information about the organization

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).

Bethany [redacted] to Irving Younger card

Card with handwritten note to Irving Younger. The envelope reads: "In Loving Memory of Irv Younger. From a friend." The front cover features a photograph of a mother bird with two chicks. The inside contains a heartfelt message to Irving Younger, one of the victims of the October 27 attack.

Sun and Clouds card

Card with illustration of the sun and its rays of light obscured by a large cloud on the front cover with the inscription: "Warm thoughts can make the sun a little brighter, the sky a little bluer, the world a little nicer." The note inside affirms the sender's love and prayers. Concludes: "Know the entire community is here for you."

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.

"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."

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."

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.

"This is terrible" card

Card with embossed design created by the American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright on the front cover. The letter inside is dated 10-29-18 and reads: "This is terrible. Clive, Chris and Nick [last name redacted]." Fallingwater, one of Wright's most famous buildings, is located about an hour's drive from Pittsburgh.

"In Sympathy" card

Card with leaf branches and the words "In Sympathy" in the upper center. The inside contains additional leaf illustrations and the handwritten message, reading: "May God give you peace. Amen."

"With Wishes" card

Card with a tree with silver and gold leaves and stock messaging on the front cover. Extensive dirt stains due to exposure to the elements at the memorial site. The inside contains a handwritten message, reading: "We stand in solidarity with you and your community. With love, Bree and Sally."

"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."

"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."

"All of Pittsburgh is United with You" card

Unsigned card with handwritten note reading, "So sorry for your loss. Please know that ALL of Pittsburgh is UNITED with you! Much love [two heart symbols]."