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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5898 Wilkins Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15217x
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Card with snowy landscape

Card with illustration of snowy landscape on the front cover. The note is written on a separate piece of paper, which has an illustration on the back of a duck floating on water. Note has been folded to fit inside the card. The sender, Lucy [last name redacted], writes that she is in her childhood neighborhood (Squirrel Hill) for the first time in years, explaining: "I just wanted to take the chance to say in person how much my thoughts and the thoughts of everyone I know have been with you."

"Shalom"/Stars of David card (2)

Card with a Stars of David pattern overlaid on blue tree trunk with the word "Shalom" in the upper center. The inside contains stock messaging about mourning, including shiva, the traditional seven days of mourning in Jewish culture.

"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.

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.

"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."

Cityscape card

Card with colorful illustration of an architectural, urban landscape. Message inside affirms the senders' love, solidarity, and hope, and wishes of kindness.

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."

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."

"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.

"Shalom"/Stars of David card (1)

Card with a Stars of David pattern overlaid on blue tree trunk with the word "Shalom" in the upper center. The inside contains a message of condolence from over a dozen couples and individuals.

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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]."

"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."

"Praying for You" card

Card with stock condolence language with the header "Praying For You in Your Loss." The inside contains a handwritten message addressed to "all those who've lost a spouse, a son, a daughter, a brother, a sister, an uncle, an aunt, or a friend."

"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.

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.

"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.

"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