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
Laminated printed sign which reads: "Peace, Diversity, and Connection" over a photograph of a sunset on a rocky seashore.
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 messages of condolence and prayer. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Handmade card in purple, blue, green, and black ink on white paper. Signed by Talia, Jacob, and Jayden. Illustrated with small hearts throughout. Smudging and staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "No hate. Just love." A heart appears below. Signed: "Columbus, OH."
Hand painted card. The card contains the Stronger Than Hate symbol with a yellow Star of David on the left. The words: "Stronger than Hate" appear in a black text box to the right. A heart appears above.
Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "Pittsburgh, I will always love you. My heart goes out to you and is here too. Pittsburgh Strong."
Half-page program containing typed text. First page includes a graphic of a tree. Lists speakers for event.
Folded card with colored pencil illustration. Cover reads: "Remember that we are here with you" with a heart below. Inside shows an illustration of stick figure surrounded by six hearts. Back reads: "It's fine we're here with you" and features an upright hand.
Zine page with bubble letters and information about the emotional value of hugs. Zine page with cartoons illustrating the emotional value of hugs, including a superhero, labeled "Hugs to the Rescue" and a young couple.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The message reads: "We stand with you, always, with prayer and love."
Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The note is written in Hebrew and English. Translated into English, the message reads: "All of Israel are connected to one another. We are with you!"
Printed signs in blue and green ink on paper. The signs urge the reader to "Show solidarity" and "stand up for our common values, today tomorrow and always." An illustration of three stylized people raising their hands appears in the upper center, surrounded by the words: "Kindness, Respect, Courage."
Oral history of Rosalind Chow, 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: "Dear Brothers and Sisters, We have been so deeply moved by the horrible tragedy your community is working through. Please know you are loved. You are cared for. You are being prayed over daily. Love, [?] family.
Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of a haloed dove flying in front of Noah's ark. The inside reads: "Even in dark times there's still hope! I'm praying for you ALL! From Holy Angels CCD." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "May their memories be a blessing." Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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 is dated 10/28/18 and reads: "know that God see you all and may the peace that surpasses all understanding fill your hearts. You all will be in my prayers! -Amen." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Paper program booklet with image of light blue sky on the cover. Typed text throughout booklet. Contains introductory remarks from Executive Director Dr. Zipora Gur, agenda for conference with summaries describing each presentation, biographies of presenters, descriptions of exhibits associated with the conference, resource lists, acknowledgements, and evaluation form.
Page of typed text. Header includes a roadway in the outline of a heart, surrounded by people on bikes. Green border around page. Program lists speakers at event. Footer inlcudes logos for Moms Demand Action, Ceasefire PA, and Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence and acknowledgement of several donors.
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.