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

7 Adar 5779 Annual Dinner program

Pages of typed text with illustrations. Includes test of newly written prayer for New Community Chevra Kadisha members, verses include Psalm 121:1 and Hosea 14:7, Talmudic citation from Rabbi Akiva (Mishna Yoma 8:9), prayer for guests of the New Community Chevra Kadisha, the Priestly Blessing, and a translation of Tefilat Haderech (The Traveler's Prayer") by Debbie Friedman

"Lifting Up Our Prayers" sign (2)

Printed sign with red, blue, green, and purple ink. The sign reads: "Lifting up our prayers for the Tree of Life synagogue, victims, families, and first responders." Signed by three students: Barron, Ian, and James [last name redacted], 4th grade.

West Allegheny Middle School card (085)

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

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Chai sculpture

Rectangular piece of plywood wrapped in metal with embossed design of Hebrew word "Chai," meaning "Life."

"Prayer of St. Francis" prayer

Handwritten "Prayer of St. Francis" written in black ink on white paper, glued to cardboard. Warping due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

In Memoriam (2019) program

Tri-fold pamphlet with typed text. Cover includes logos for Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence, Ceasefire PA, and Bed the Arc: Jewish Action Pittsburgh. Interior provides statistics about gun violence, information about legislative priorities, and calls for action. Back cover features photograph of Pittsburgh skyline.

Through History with Dor Hadash

Six-page document with printed text. Script for "amusement" presented at public event. Provides history of congregation.

"In Sympathy and Caring" card

Card with handwritten note from a non-Jewish resident on Montreal, Canada. The front cover features a pin with a red velvet poppy flower and a Canadian flag pinned over a pink flower. The inside contains a message of support from a non-Jewish resident of Montreal, Doug, who writes: "Though I am not Jewish, and cannot fully understand, I live in the middle of a beautiful vibrant Jewish community in Montreal, Canada."

Red tulips card

Card with photograph of three red tulips on the front cover. The inside contains words of sympathy and prayer from the [last name redacted] family.

Victoria Butch portrait.jpg

Victoria Butch oral history

Oral history of Victoria Butch, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.

"J" card

Card with polka dots and the initial "J" in the middle. The inside contains a handwritten message, reading: "We s[h]ould remember those who died and thank those who helped. Though there may be [?] there are helpers. Look for the helpers. - Julia F." The phrase "look for the helpers" comes from the beloved Pittsburgh television personality, Fred Rogers.

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.

Holy Angels Parish (Pittsburgh, Pa.) card (01)

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: "Don't bully people and stand up for people when they are getting bullied."

Love photograph with interfaith and secular symbols

Laminated photograph with four hands making the love gesture in sign language and holding religious and secular symbols, including a heart, cross, and Star of David. Two holes punched in the upper right corners with white string forming a handle. Typed message on the back.

Moshe Baran portrait.jpeg

Moshe Baran oral history

Oral history of Moshe Baran, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.

Azerbaijan card

Postcard with a monumental building with a dome, perhaps a mosque, from Azerbaijan on the cover. Tearing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial. The message on the back contains words of prayer and the senders' commitment to welcoming all in Squirrel Hill.

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]."

Pink envelope

Blank pink envelope with tape affixed on the reverse. Staining and fading due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

St. Joseph Catholic Parish Religious Formation poster (1)

Poster with short messages and multiple signatures from students at the St. Joseph Catholic Parish Religious formation written in various colored markers.

"May Their Memories Be A Blessing" note

Hand painted, laminated sign with the words: "May their memories be a blessing" in black paint." Eleven yellow candles with orange flames, symbolizing the eleven victims of the October 27 attack, appear below.