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

"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.

"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.

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.

"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."

"Hearts Care Hearts Remember" card

Card with the words "Hearts Care" and "Hearts Remember" enclosed in blue and yellow rectangles, respectively. Blue and yellow ribbons affixed to the upper right corner.

"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.

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.

"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

"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.

"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]."

"Praying God will comfort you" card

Card with bouquet of yellow, pink, and orange flowers in a pink vase with the words "Praying God will Comfort You" on the front cover. The inside contains a handwritten note: "My most heartfelt condolences. Be encouraged!"

"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]."

"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."

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.

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.

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."

ERO card

Card with photograph of flower. Handwritten text on front of envelope reads, "To: Tree of Life in sympathy and solidarity" and back of enveloped reads, "Won't you be my neighbor? Mr. Rogers." Handwritten interior of card expresses love for the Pittsburgh Jewish community and evokes Mr. Roger's: "We are called upon to remember the spirit of Mr. Rogers and love each and every one of our neighbors who make our community so wonderful."

"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."

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).