The Archive | October 27 Archive

The Collection

The October 27 Archive currently contains 1476 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

Beth Chai Congregation (Bethesda, Md.) letter (34)

Folded card with colored pencil illustration. Front shows a tree in autumn with grass and falling leaves. Inside reads: "Nobody deserves to go through what you are going through. Best wishes to all. Love [heart] Beth Chai."

Lest We Forget program

Typed text on paper with gray background and blue and gold accents and logos for Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh. Text lists speakers and supporters for event.

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (018)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The front cover of this card features a heart with the words "God is love." The inside reads: "May you find God's comfort in knowing we are with you in spirit- May the spirit of God stir in the souls of all on our earth to stop the violence against God's people. We want peace on earth and it starts with us knowing our God of peace and love. God bless you and your whole community of believers. Pt Loma Community Pres. Church Loves you all."

"Traveler's Prayer" prayer card

Bilingual, laminated prayer card with the text of the Jewish "Traveler's Prayer" in English and Hebrew. This "Traveler's Prayer" card was purchased an Israeli Judaica website.

"Charles and Abbi" floral tag

Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by Charles [last name redacted] and Abbi [last name redacted]. The tag reads: "Love, light, and perseverance. Charles [last name redacted] and Abbi [last name redacted]." The message is printed on a tag from a local florist.

Card with tulips

Card with reproduction of a painting with three red tulips by Marcia Long from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The inside contains messages of sympathy from two families. The senders included biblical quotes from Numbers 6:24-26 and Psalm 23: 4,6 in their message.

The Church at Severn Run card (88)

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 the sender's prayer for peace, love, and unity. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.

Post-it note (178)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "Stronger than hate." Illustrated with a peace symbol. Color bleeding and staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

"A Message of Sympathy" card

Card with a photograph of fall foliage overlooking a lake with the words: "A Message of Sympathy" in the upper right. The note inside contains a message from Anita E. [last name redacted] and all Pittsburghers living in Maryland, reading: "We are Stronger Than Hate!!! Take care [smiley face]."

"Faith, Hope, and Love" card

Envelope and card signed by E. Smith. Cover features a quote from 1 Corinthians 13:13. The inside contains the following handwritten note: "Praying for Peace, Unity, and Love for the community. [Heart] E. Smith

"Praying God will comfort you" card

Card with bouquet of yellow, pink, and orange flowers in a pink vase with the words "Praying God will Comfort You" on the front cover. The inside contains a handwritten note: "My most heartfelt condolences. Be encouraged!"

"Shadyside Presbyterian" floral tag (1)

Printed floral tags from floral arrangements sent by Shadyside Presbyterian Church.

Chabad at Franklin & Marshall College Mitzvah4Pittsburgh pledge card (26)

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.

"Shalom" card

Card with the Hebrew word "Shalom" (Peace) on the front cover. The letter inside is dated Dec. 2018 and was written by members of a family from Madison, Wi., who were driving to New Jersey to visit relatives for the holidays. While enroute, they stopped in Pittsburgh and dropped off this card, along with a bouquet of flowers, which they hoped would bring joy to a family, perhaps a child.

The Church at Severn Run card (36)

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: "We love you! God is with you always!" The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.

"With Love on your Bat Mitzvah" card

The front cover features a large Hamsa (hand) with birds and flowers with the words: "With Love" in the upper center and "On Your Bat Mitzvah" in the lower center. The inside contains stock congratulatory messaging. The Hamsa is a popular protective symbol in many Middle Eastern cultures.

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (107)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear friends, My heart and prayers are with all of you as you process your loss and the events in these past few days. May God's presence and comfort be showered on every one of you. I cannot even begin to imagine... I pray for God's grace and blessings. With love, Cheryl [last name redacted]."

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (093)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Friends, Words cannot express our sorrow the losses you all have endured. That your community of faith, love, peace was assaulted with such hatred and brokenness-our hearts ache for you all. We stand with you in faith and love in the face of such destruction. We stand with you in prayers for comfort and healing in the midst of your pain. We stand with you as a force for love in a hurting world. The [last name redacted] Family, Lauren, Joel, Kieran, Micah."

Adat Shalom thank you poster

Poster with collage of photographs showing scenes of interfaith support and a quotation of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (06)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. Cover features an illustration of an American flag and Israeli flag flanking a budding plant in the lower center, and a bilingual quote in English and Hebrew attributed to Ghandi in the upper center. In English, the quote reads: "Be the change you want to see in the world." The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am so sorry for your loss. It breaks my hear to hear about acts of Anti-Semitism. I am keeping you and your congregation in my heart and prayers.