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.

View the collection

Photograph showing selection of archival materials

Showing 1070 results for
textx

"We Love You" floral tag

Floral tag from floral arrangement, which reads: "We love you, pray for you and stand with you during this time. May God provide with His peace and comfort." The message is printed on a tag from a local florist.

Beth Chai Congregation (Bethesda, Md.) letter (28)

Folded card with marker and colored pencil illustrations. Front and back both feature Stars of David encircled by hearts. Inside shows a tree, labeled "a living tree" signed "from Milo".

Rev. John Shaver business card

Business card from Reverend John Shaver of San Dieguito Methodist Church in Encinitas, Ca.

"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.

Post-it note (184)

Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The message reads: "We stand with you, always, with prayer and love."

Note from new Squirrel Hill residents

Handwritten note and envelope from new residents of Squirrel Hill, formerly of Santa Barbara, Ca.

Holy Angels Parish (Pittsburgh, Pa.) card (27)

Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of a haloed dove flying in front of Noah's ark. The inside reads: "Dear Tree of Life, I'm sorry for your loss. Hope everything goes well. From Bella [last name redacted]."

Note about love

Handwritten note in black marker which reads: "Love is that which enables choice. Love is always stronger than fear. Always choose on the basis of LOVE." Tearing in left upper corner due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

Holy Angels Parish (Pittsburgh, Pa.) card (10)

Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of seven children holding hands around a table with a large goblet and loaf of braided bread, and seven doves. The illustration is labeled: "We are people of God's peace." Signed "-Jenna [last name redacted]" in the lower right corner. The inside contains several messages, including: "We love [heart symbol] you... Get well soon!!!!... Get well soon... I'm praying for you...hope you get better...we hope you heal fast...get well soon.

"So much to honor" card

Card from two individuals, Hannah and Emeta [last names redacted]. Both senders convey their condolences and sign their messages with the wish that the memories of the victims be for a blessing, a common expression in Jewish mourning rituals.

George Washington University Hillel card (Washington D.C.) (14)

Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The front cover reads: "Hugs" with asterisks on either side. The inside (from right to left) reads: "Sending you messages of hope, love, and comfort from Washington D.C. Love, Alex. May God be with you and your families."

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.

Baycrest Jewish Home for the Aged card (2)

Hand painted card by a resident of the Baycrest Jewish Home for the Aged in Toronto, Canada. The front cover features a colorful floral wreath with the words "Thinking of you." The inside contains a typed message conveying condolences from Toronto, including the traditional Jewish mourning blessing in English translation, English transliteration, and Hebrew, "May God comfort you among the rest of the mourners in Zion and Jerusalem."

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (17)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front and back cover features the following quote: "Everyday may not be a good day BUT." The quote continues on the inside: "There is good in Every DAY!!" The card reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffr[e]y Myers, I am very sorry to hear about the shooting that has occurred. My best wishes for you all. -7th grade student from Littleton, Colorado." The message is accompanied by a large Star of David in the upper center.

Holy Angels Parish (Pittsburgh, Pa.) card (20)

Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of seven children holding hands around a table with a large goblet and loaf of braided bread, and seven doves. The illustration is labeled: "We are people of God's peace." The inside reads: "Tree of Life members, There is a light at the end of the tunnel, you just have to see the light. Margee [last name redacted]."

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (01)

Blank Goddard Middle School postcard. Front reads: "Goddard Middle School Good News!" and features the school's symbol.

"Mimi" card

Handwritten card in pencil on paper. The front cover features a Star of David in the center and reads in Hebrew: "L'chaim" (to life). The inside reads: "I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending you love, Mimi [last name redacted]." A Menorah appears in the center.

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (077)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated Nov. 4 and reads: "Dear Tree of Life Members, We send our love and sympathy to you. We stand by you and all your global family for life. You are our brothers and sisters cherished our heritage through your and our future promises with you. With prayers and love, Rev. Dr. Larry [last name redacted]."

Sympathy note

Handwritten note written in blue ink on a lined notecard reading: "Sending all of my sympathy, empathy and love. I don't know what else to say. -Hope [last name redacted]. Brooklyn, New York (Former Pittsburgher)."

"Louis D." letter

Typed letter addressed to Jerry Rabinowitz from Louis D. Louis identifies himself as a gay patient of Rabinowitz during the 1980s. He thanks for Rabinowitz for his sensitivity and care. The letter is enclosed in a plastic page protector and has tape residue on the back from the Wilkins memorial.