The Archive | October 27 Archive

The Collection

The October 27 Archive currently contains 1579 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

pittsburghstrong_button

#pittsburghstrong button

White button with black text and safety pin on back, Design features tree with branches forming a Star of David. Text above design reads, "#pittsburghstrong."

ACLU poster

Printed poster in blue, white, and black from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union). The poster reads: "We the People" and features an illustration of people in silhouette raising their hands upward. The reverse reads: "We the People ACLU" and contains a repeating word pattern featuring the various marginalized groups the ACLU serves.

"Thinking of You" card

Card with forest landscape on the cover and the inscription: "Thinking of You." The inside contains a heartfelt message addressed to the Jewish community. The sender promises "to try to love more, to be a better member of the community" among other virtues, to "make sure you did not die in vain."

"Healing, Peace, Rest" card

Card with illustration of a sunset over a mountain landscape with daisies in the foreground, and the words "Healing, Peace, Rest" in the upper center. The inside reads: "We oppose hate with you. Our hearts ache along with yours. With love, Sue and Eddie, Sammy and Benny."

Fountain Valley School of Colorado (Colorado Springs, Co.) card (11)

Large square card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. Card reads: "Dear members of Tree of Life[s], I am an international student from China. I heard the sad news about the sad thing [that] happened in the Synagogue. I felt really sorry about that and I know I can't do anything to let you feel better. But I am always on your side. Support the sad family. So please strong to stay together. Peace be with you. - Isabel L." Illustrated Star of David and peace sign on lower left.

"Girl with Star of David" card (2)

Folded card on orange paper. The front cover feature a large Star of David outlined in black marker. The inside features a cartoon of a young girl wearing a Star of David t-shirt. Creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

"Tree of Life Synagogue" floral tag

Floral tag from floral arrangement addressed to Tree of Life synagogue. The message is printed on a tag from a local florist.

"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 (040)

Post-it note with handwritten message in red marker. The message reads: "Love Wins. Love and prayers from York, AA. T.B.I."

"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).

Coping with Tragedy flyer

Single page flyer. Backdrop features color photograph of lit tealight candles. Text lists title, date, time, and location of event, biography of speaker, and a list of sponsoring organizations. Footer includes logo for the Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future Speakers Bureau.

MSS1297_B001_F023_I003_P003_Redacted

St. Peter's Episcopal Church (Londonderry, N. H.) card (03)

Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The front cover reads: "Faith is the friend that comes along when things just seem to go all wrong." The inside reads: "Please accept our sympathy and prayer at this sad time. Love- Scott, Michelle, Sean, and Jill [last name redacted]."

"Richard Gottfried" floral tag

Floral tag addressed to Richard Gottfried. The tag features a white rose on the left and the stock message: "With Deepest Sympathy" in a band on the upper center.

"To the Tree of Life" envelope

Turquoise envelope with handwritten inscription in black ink addressed: "To the Tree of Life." Staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

"Love Will Always Prevail" floral tag

Floral tag from floral arrangement, which reads: "Love will always prevail. Together against hate." The message is written in black ink on a printed tag with multicolored flowers in the lower right corner. Tape in the upper center. The reverse is stamped with the contact information for Squirrel Hill Flower Shop.

Erin notecard

Note of condolence from Erin addressed to the eleven victims, the wounded, their families, and the synagogue communities.

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (089)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11-4-2018 and reads: "Dear Friends, I wish I was there to put my arms around all of you but all I have is this paper and pen. May you sense comfort and care through these note and know that I and many more from the community in San Diego stand in solidarity with you and your community. We condemn such violence against God's children whom we all are on this earth and hope for a time of safety and peace throughout, soon!! God's peace, Sandy."

The Church at Severn Run card (08)

Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "I'm sending you love during this most difficult time. I'm praying for you all. God loves us all and I hope you all will feel his amazing love during this trying time. My heart hurts at this time for you all. I love you! Pam."

West Allegheny Middle School card (069)

Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a leaf with geometric motifs. The back contains a handwritten note, as well as the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."