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

"With Sympathy" card

Sympathy card with Star of David on the front cover. The inside reads: "Praying for spiritual and physical healing for the community and the entire city. [Heart] E. Smith."

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."

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.

Flowers and butterfly card

Card addressed to the Tree of Life congregation. The front cover features an illustration of flowers and a butterfly in the upper center. The inside is dated 11/2/18 and conveys the senders wish that the memories of the victims be for a blessing and their solidarity with the Tree of Life congregation.

The Church at Severn Run card (45)

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 support and prayer. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (104)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Members of the Tree of Life Synagogue- My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of 11 of your friends, family, and members. The members of my church, Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California have been praying for your congregation. We hope and pray that over time your hearts will heal and peace will enter to fill the void left by the 11. El."

Emergency Ministry Services (San Juan Capistrano, Ca.) poem (2)

Diamante poem by Reena [last name redacted], which was sent with the materials from Emergency Ministry Services, a faith-based training and disaster response NGO in San Juan Capistrano, Ca., affiliated with the Orange County Church on the Rock. A diamante poem is a seven-line unrhymed poem which is shaped like a diamond.

West Allegheny Middle School card (079)

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

Jess Gold oral history

Oral history with Jess Gold recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th oral history project.

Post-it note (121)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Rest In Peace. In your Happy Place Now."

Prosecutors File 29 Charges Against Synagogue Shooter

Summary: WESA report on charges filed against alleged perpetrator of October 27 attack. Includes comments from Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Looking Back, Marching Forward flyer

Flyer with green typed text on green paper. Includes a silhouette graphic of people standing under a tree. Provides information about the location of event and itinerary of activities. Footer includes website and Facebook information for Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence.

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]."

Beth Chai Congregation (Bethesda, Md.) letter (21)

Folded card with marker illustration. Cover reads, "You are great the way you are and nothing can stop that no matter what." Interior reads, "I hope you guys feel better. This card is for you and I hope it makes you guys feel better. You guys should be treated the way you are no matter what. Don't let people hurt you. You are stronger than them" and the name "Howard [last name redacted for privacy]." Back cover reads "I wish you the best of luck" with smiling heart.

"Doug" business card note (2)

Note addressed to Jerry Rabinowitz written on the back of a business card from Doug [last name redacted], a certified Pilates instructor in the Pittsburgh area.

Splatter painting with tree

Splatter painting on paper with a black background speckled with paint and a yellow tree with eleven flames symbolizing the eleven victims of the October 27 attack. Signed lower right [signature illegible]. Inscribed on the back with the following message: "Tree of Life. Pittsburg[h] PA. 10.27.18. Dean [last name redacted] family, Tree of Life community." Spelling errors corrected for clarity. Creasing and holes due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

Adat Shalom Solidarity Shabbat program (2)

Program for "Adat Shalom Solidarity Shabbat" including a quotation from George Washington's letter to the Touro Synagogue and from Rabbi Harold Kusher and prayers by Chaplain Bruce Corriel and Rabbi Naomi Levy.

West Allegheny Middle School card (019)

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

Post-it note (114)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "As a result of this hate, I'm committing to discovering my Jewish identity and am doing micro-kindness."

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (025)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "May God comfort you today and in the days ahead. I will keep you all in thought and prayer. [?] from Pt Loma P.C."