The Archive | October 27 Archive

The Collection

The October 27 Archive currently contains 1333 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

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.

"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.

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."

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."

"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."

"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.

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."

"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]."

"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

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].

"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."

"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

Japanese woodblock print card

Card featuring reproduction of a nineteenth century Japanese woodblock print depicting the grounds of the Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Tokyo, Japan. Interior includes handwritten note from two individuals who identify as a Catholic and a baptized Episcopalian, respectively.

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.

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."

"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]."

"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."

"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."

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."