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.

View the collection

Photograph showing selection of archival materials

Post-it note (147)

Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "Hate is not welcome anywhere."

Antisemitism, Hate, and Social Responsibility conference flyer

One-page flyer with typed text in multiple colors. Lists featured scholars and presenters for conference. Footer contains logos of sponsoring organizations.

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (04)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. Front cover contains the following quote: "Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you happiness and bad days give you experience." Shows three small Stars of David on the far left and a cartoonish illustration of a stick figure pushing a pull with a Star of David on top of a heart up a hill on the center right. Inside reads: "Dear Tree of Life Congregation, My name is Yahir [last named redacted] and we heard what happened and we want you to [k]now that we pray for you.

Shawn Brokos portrait.jpg

Shawn Brokos oral history

Oral history of Shawn Brokos, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.

The Church at Severn Run card (28)

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 messages of condolences and wishes for strength and courage. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.

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."

Beth Chai Congregation (Bethesda, Md.) letter (8)

Folded card with pencil illustration. Cover features flower on ground under words "Just remember..." Interior features illustration of heart superimposed on planet Earth with human figures dancing on it and the words, "We Are All Jews Together." Additional note reads, "Please know that Beth Chai Congregation members like us are thinking of you. Karen & Howard [last name redacted for privacy]."

"Liam" card

Handmade paper cut out illustrated with pencil and marker in the shape of a clown. The reverse is signed: "Love, Liam."

"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.

West Allegheny Middle School card (041)

Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of the words: "Keep Going" surrounded by arrows, stars, and other faunal motifs. Handwritten notes of affirmation appears in the four corners. The back features an additional handwritten note, as well as the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."

"The Jewish Community" card

Card addressed to the Jewish community. The front cover features a photograph of a succulent. The letter inside contains words of a sympathy from a sender who "is not of the Jewish faith" but wishes to convey their sadness and commitment to doing good deeds to honor those who died in the October 27 attack.

"Love like the ocean" card

Letter addressed to Tree of Life Congregation and the Jewish Community of Squirrel Hill. Card contains a photograph of the sun setting over a body of water and a quote which uses the ocean as a metaphor for love. The inside contains a message affirming that love is stronger than hate.

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."

Noah notecard

Sympathy note from Noah, who recalls how the Tree of Life synagogue was "home to some of the best years of my life." Star of David illustrated on the back.

Neiberg family card (2)

Card with the words: "Stronger Than Hate" written in brown ink. A large Star of David with a heart appears in the lower center. The note inside is addressed to Tree of Life. The sender thanks the synagogue for creating such a beautiful place of worship where her family gained so much.

West Allegheny Middle School card (066)

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."

Post-it note (024)

Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "The neighborhood is with you." A heart appears below.

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (24)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover contains the following quote attributed to the movie star, James Dean: "Dream as you'll live forever, live as you'll die today." A Star of David appears below. Another quote, attributed to the author, August [middle initial and last name redacted] appears on the bottom right: "An empty box in an empty room is hard to fill, but over time it fills slowly..." An open, empty box appears above.

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (105)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Synagogue, Being God's chosen often includes incredible sacrifice. Too often you are chosen to be the sacrifice for us all. Thank you and bless you, [name illegible]."

Fountain Valley School (Colorado Springs, Co.) card (6)

Rectangle-shaped card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. Card reads: "Dear members of Tree of Life synagogue. I am an international student from China. I am sorry for your loss and will stand with you. May peace with you and stay stong. Shalom. Warmly, Xiao Chao [last name redacted]." Small Star of David in lower right.