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

Card with angel

Sympathy card with illustration of youthful female angel holding a dove before a window looking out onto a garden landscape with flowers, a cobblestone path, and trees. The inside contains a handwritten message conveying the sender's condolences to all the affected families.

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.

Post-it note (120)

Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "We should all remember preaching hate results in hatred. Preach love, and support!"

The Church at Severn Run card (30)

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 blessings and affirmations of love. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.

Beth Chai Congregation (Bethesda, Md.) letter (5)

Folded card with crayon illustration. Cover features brown abstract shape. Interior reads, "From Luke, I feel sorry for you. The bad guy is in jail. I still feel sorry. To synagogue people." Back features illustration of tree under a peace sign.

Beth Chai Congregation (Bethesda, Md.) letter (16)

Folded card with marker illustrations. Cover reads "Best Wishes." Interior features illustration of smiling sun over water and words "Best Wishes" and name "Harper [last name redacted for privacy]."

Forest animals card

Card with woodland animals and the word "Hello" on the front cover. The inside contains a handwritten note from someone who had been a neighbor of Tree of Life for the past 35 years and was deeply affected by the October 27 attack. "Though we are not Jewish, the thoughts and prayers of our whole family are with your congregation at this time."

"Shalom"/Stars of David card (1)

Card with a Stars of David pattern overlaid on blue tree trunk with the word "Shalom" in the upper center. The inside contains a message of condolence from over a dozen couples and individuals.

White flowers card

Card with white flowers on a light blue background on the flap. The inside reads: "We are one race- HUMAN! Love is stronger than hate. We will remember those that lost their lives. God bless."

West Allegheny Middle School card (030)

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

West Allegheny Middle School card (017)

Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a flower 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 (140)

Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "Love is stronger than hate." Signed with a heart.

Post-it note (153)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "Prayers for Pittsburg[h]. May this never happen again anywhere." Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements.

"Mazon" card

Card with mosaic pattern evoking a flame on the front cover. The inside contains a note of sympathy from the board and staff of Mazon, as well information about the organization

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (065)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Tree of Life Synagogue, Brothers and sisters, we love you and are praying for all of you in this difficult time. Love, The Pasha Family."

Post-it note (098)

Post-it note with handwritten message in red marker. The message reads: "Stronger than hate. Never forget the day."

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]."

Chabad at Franklin & Marshall College Mitzvah4Pittsburgh pledge card (20)

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.

West Allegheny Middle School card (080)

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 and the signature, "Ty" [last name redacted]. The back contains a handwritten note, a "Stronger Together" sticker, and the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."

Post-it note (003)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "One Love" with peace and heart symbols replacing the letter "o" respectively.