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

How to Support Children in Times of Crisis flyer

Trifold pamphlet with typed text over orange background. Cover includes photograph of Roberta Schomberg and program details. Interior includes photographs of Fred Rogers and the Rodef Shalom Congregation sanctuary and a description of the Pursuer of Peace in Action program series, as well as an advertisement for a toy and book drive hosted by JFCS Pittsburgh. Back page features Rodef Shalom Congregation logo.

8 Killed At Pittsburgh Synagogue; Gunman In Police Custody

Summary: New York Jewish Week breaking news report on the October 27 attack.

11 dead, 6 injured in shooting at Tree of Life Congregation in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh

Summary: The Incline breaking news report on October 27 attack, updated throughout the day. Includes timeline of the attack, early details about victims and alleged perpetrator, reports about upcoming vigils, and information about Tree of Life Congregation.

Post-it note (167)

Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The message reads: "Z"L."

Magen David Yeshivah High School card (2)

Card from three students [last names redacted] at Magen David Yeshivah High School in Brooklyn, Ny. Front cover features an illustration of a house with a large rain cloud behind it; the rain falls on a small stick figure holding a heart below. The cover is addressed to the families of Pittsburgh. The upper flap inside features a pink heart in the center with rain clouds and raindrops on the left, a shining sun on the lower right, and a smiling face with symbols tumbling out in a diagonal ray.

"Hugs Not Drugs" zine (7)

Zine page with bubble letters and information about the emotional value of hugs. Zine page with cartoons illustrating the emotional value of hugs, including a superhero, labeled "Hugs to the Rescue" and a young couple.

Chabad at Franklin & Marshall College Mitzvah4Pittsburgh pledge card (19)

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.

Post-it note (065)

Post-it note with abstract illustration in black marker.

Red card (2)

Folded card on red paper with blue and pink stains. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the message on this card is no longer visible.

Park Avenue Synagogue (New York, Ny.) binders with illustrated selections from the "Prayer of Peace"

Two identical binders containing photocopies of handwritten, illustrated selections from the "Prayer of Peace" created by sixth grade students at Park Avenue Synagogue (New York, Ny.). The front cover of each binder reads: "Read Me, A Prayer for Peace, For Tree of Life Synagogue From Park Avenue Synagogue NYC 6th Graders." Each student illustrated a stanza from the "Prayer for Peace," an eighteenth century prayer which was composed by Rabbi Natan Sternharz, a prominent student of the Chasidic leader, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, and is included in the Rabbinical Assembly's prayer book.

To the loved ones note

Letter written on a piece of notepad paper with a blue line on the right edge. The note reads: "To the loved ones lost, 'Magnified and sanctified be Your name.' Always remembered. The [last name redacted] David, Alyson, Theodore and Andrew."

"Our Loved Ones" card

Letter addressed to the families, friends, and neighbors of the Tree of Life [synagogue]. The front cover features a blue and white ombre background and reads: "Our loved ones leave the world, but never our hearts." The inside contains a handwritten note from a couple from Davie, Florida, reading: "Our hearts are with you. Lyle and Rina [last name redacted]. Davie, Florida." An illustrated Star of David appears below.

Note to the victims

Note addressed to the victims and neighbors of the October 27 attack.

West Allegheny Middle School card (083)

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."

Adat Shalom poster (1)

Light blue posterboard with a painting of a tree with eleven leaves. The tree roots are connected to a silver Star of David. The names of the eleven victims of the October 27 attack are written on the leaves. The words: "Stronger Than Hate" appear in the upper center and upper left. Signed lower left. Extensive creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

"Hugs Not Drugs" zine (2)

Zine page with bubble letters and information about the emotional value of hugs. Zine page with cartoon imagery and information about the value of hugs. A young boy hugs a globe, beneath the inscription: "Embrace the world one hug at a time."

The Church at Severn Run card (16)

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: The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope. "Our hearts are burdened by what happened in Pittsburgh. We know that we serve the same G-d and the G-d of the Old and New Testaments does not call us to violence each other. We pray for healing in Pittsburgh, in synagogues throughout America and for love from all churches.

"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.

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (054)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11/4 and reads: "God loves you- We love you- Have strength in the LORD. Ken [last name redacted]."

West Allegheny Middle School card (058)

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