The October 27 Archive currently contains 1333 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.
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.
Western Pennsylvanians share their life stories and reflect on the impact of an antisemitic attack in a beloved Jewish neighborhood.
Documentation of the October 27 attack as it was unfolding, told through news articles and oral histories.
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Folded card on light blue paper. Extensive creasing and blue and yellow staining. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the message on this card is no longer visible.
Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "Shalom" (Peace). Creasing and tearing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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.
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 with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "We will be better." Minor staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Oral history of Rabbi Elisar Admon, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Tree of Life Synagogue- We in San Diego stand with you and all send all our love. Tom and Linda [last name redacted]."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear friends at Tree of Life, We have been so saddened by what has happened. Our hearts break for you. We want you to know we may be far away, but we hold you close in our prayers. You are our brothers and sisters. We are with you. Sincerely, Cara [last name redacted] Pt. Loma Presbyterian Church."
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 message of support, affirmation, and love. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Folded card with colored pencil word art. Cover reads: "Have a good day". Interior reads: "Dear all, I'm so sorry to hear what happened there. We as a Beth Chai would like to send our heart to be there together. We believe world will be better. [Last name redacted for privacy] family."
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.
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 letter is dated Oct. 28, 2018 and contains words of condolence and prayer. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Folded card with marker illustration. Front and back cover features illustrations of heart superimposed on tree. Interior features illustration of two figures beneath word bubble "Freedom!" and nine balloons.
Miniature New York State flag. Wrapped around stem of flag is a slip of laminated yellow paper reading, "In Memory of our Brother IRVING YOUNGER z''l -- To his family and community we pray Tanuchamo min hashamayim. May God in Heaven comfort you. The Principals, Teachers, Parents, Alumni, and Students of Magen David Yeshivah. Brooklyn, NY." Part of a series of 11 flags, each dedicated to one of the victims. Additional photograph shows the entire set of 11.
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "In light of recent events, I want to send over my condolences and love. I want you to know that this is not who we Christians are. We are not hate- only love. Your community is always and forever in prayers. [Smiley face]."
Printed note in black ink on white paper. The note reads, in capital letters: "Your Christian brothers and sisters are praying with you." Tearing and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Weight covered in blue metallic cellophane, gathered and tied at top, affixed to a ceramic base. Gold and silver metallic streamers stem from the center. Tile has dirt on bottom.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "God is love. Love beats hate any day." Signed by Cecelia [last name redacted]."
Terms of Use
The October 27 Archive collects responses to an antisemitic attack in Pittsburgh, Pa. on October 27, 2018. These responses take many forms but share a motivating impulse. Each began in the mind and heart of someone who was moved by the events of that day and was compelled to create something meaningful from that feeling. By sharing these responses, those people chose to be vulnerable for the sake of a greater good. The October 27 Archive website was launched with the belief that sharing these responses with the world can provide an avenue for people all over the world to reflect, learn, and heal.
By entering this website, you agree to honor the spirit in which these responses were created and in which they are being shared with the world.
The materials on this website are being made available exclusively for research purposes. For permission to use any of the materials on this website for any other purpose, please contact the archive. If you are the creator of any of the material on this website, and you would like to provide context or request to have something removed, please contact the archive. If you intend to reference any material found on this website, please attribute all citations to the Rauh Jewish Archives, so that other researchers can easily locate these materials in the future.