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 555 results for
Cardx

Family Medicine Squirrel Hill staff card

Sympathy card from the staff of Family Medicine Squirrel Hill to the families of the October 27 victims. Pre-printed word "family" is crossed out and replaced with handwritten word "families."

Holy Angels Parish (Pittsburgh, Pa.) card (23)

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: "I send you all of my sorrowness, and I pray for the victims of the shooting."

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".

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]."

Forest animals card

Card with woodland animals and the word "Hello" on the front cover. The inside contains a handwritten note from someone who had been a neighbor of Tree of Life for the past 35 years and was deeply affected by the October 27 attack. "Though we are not Jewish, the thoughts and prayers of our whole family are with your congregation at this time."

"The History of the Star of David" card

Card with Pop Art style illustrations depicting the history of the Star of David. The card was produced as a fundraiser for the American Friends of the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva, Israel. Signed: "Condolences and love from New York."

"Coleman" card

Handmade card on white paper. Eleven trees, illustrated in blue ink, appear in the center. The number 11 appears below, followed by a heart. The card reads: "For the 11 people that died. Love, Coleman [last redacted]."

The Church at Severn Run card (22)

Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note is enclosed in an envelope with church letterhead, reading: "The Church at Severn Run: Love Well, Live Jesus, Believe Big!" The note inside reads: "Stay strong, remain faithful, know you're loved. - Scott." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.

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.

Chabad at Franklin & Marshall College Mitzvah4Pittsburgh pledge card (59)

Square card with white and yellow text against blue background. Card reads, "Mitzvah4Pittsburgh. Some spread darkness. We spread light. Choose a good deed. Choose a Mitzvah. Add light to the world," followed by four options and a place for respondents to list their name and email address. Some names and email addresses have been redacted for privacy.

The Church at Severn Run card (41)

Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note is enclosed in an envelope with church letterhead, reading: "The Church at Severn Run: Love Well, Live Jesus, Believe Big!" The note inside contains a prayer for God's grace and love. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.

Alignment with the universe card

Note with hand drawn illustration of two flowers and the moon. The illustration is accompanied by the following message: "When I'm in alignment with the love of the universe, peace cannot be disrupted." Illustration by Micaela [last name redacted] and words by Gabrielle [last name redacted]. Fading and color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

Hummingbird and flowers card

Cream card with golden flowers and a hummingbird in the upper left corner. The note reads: "Dear neighbors, Our deepest sympathies to all. Our arms are around you. Hate will not be tolerated."

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.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church (Londonderry, N. H.) card (13)

Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The envelope features an illustrated heart. The front cover reads: "Faith is the friend that comes along when things just seem to go all wrong." The inside reads: "To the Tree of Life, My thoughts and prayers are with yours. Nancy [last name redacted]."

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (14)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover contains the following quote: "All stars are in the dark and darkness dies in the light." The quote is accompanied by two illustrated five-pointed stars. Inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am so sorry for your loss. Just know that people all the way from Colorado support you and are helping you through this. With love -Josh [last name redacted], Littleton, Colorado."

Beth Chai Congregation (Bethesda, Md.) letter (29)

Folded card with colored pencil illustration. Cover shows a whimsical landscape with a tree, balloon, bushes, rainbow, flower, and a sun. Inside reads: "Stay strong, we're all standing with you. A little hope can go a long way [heart]. Best wishes; this too shall pass". Back cover reads: "2018."

"Etz Chaim" card

Envelope with the Hebrew words "Etz Chaim" (Tree of Life) written in the center. The card features a large white dover on a blue background. It is addressed: "Beloved Mishpacha (family)." The note inside articulates the senders' pilgrimage to place a stone at the memorial which developed outside of the Tree of Life synagogue in the aftermath of the October 27 attack. Leaving a stone at graveside is a common Jewish mourning ritual. The letter concludes with a biblical quote from Job 14:7-9.

George Washington University Hillel card (Washington D.C.) (12)

Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. Card reads: "My thoughts and prayers are with your community. Stay strong, because the entire world is with you. - George [last name redacted]."

The Church at Severn Run card (11)

Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "Please do not stop your worship. Continue to pray for the people who really need it. Pray for those who need love. I love you so please do not stop worshipping or [be] scared to worship. Don't let the hate change your lifestyle. [Smiley face]."