
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
Post-it note with handwritten message in red marker. The note, which is written inside a heart, reads: "We love you guys." Two Stars of David appear on the lower right and center.
Drawing in colored pencil on paper. Signed: "Rhea" lower center on the front; illustrated above with four-legged animal, perhaps a dog. Additional colored illustrations appear on the back. Extensive tearing and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial; the drawing is now torn into two pieces.
Note written in black and blue ink on bright pink notecard with a quote from Psalm 29:11 and the phrase "Stronger Than Hate." Star of David left center. Green staining on right edge due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Wooden pedestal painted white with white Star of David and red heart affixed to front. Handwritten in pencil and black marker on the Star of David is the name "Bernice Simon." Collaged onto the heart are white pieces of paper and a translation of Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Accompanying image shows all 11 Stars of David in the series.
Canvas with "We Are Better Than Hate" painted in orange letters with black border on a white background with black border. Canvas wrapped and stapled to wooden frame.
Full color printed program for "The Numbers Keep Changing." Includes artist's statement, reproductions of seven paintings with accompanying poems, photographs of the exhibition opening, and media coverage of the exhibit. Additional images shows painting "El Kiddush Hashem."
Handwritten letter written in black pencil on pink coloring paper folded in half from the Dillon family. The letter inside is addressed to God, referred to as "Heavenly Father." The Dillon family pray for healing, comfort, and unity. The envelope is addressed to Tree of Life, written in blue pencil.
Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The envelope contains a handwritten message: "With Peace and in Repentance and friendship of Spirit." The front cover reads: "Peace" and features a sandy landscape with a blue sky and orange flowers. The inside reads: "Dear Friends in the God of Abraham, My spirit and my prayers have been with you this past week. Prayers of love, courage, hope, and prayers of repentance for all little ways in which my own way of living accommodates any hatred, bigotry, or antisemitism.
Document with reflections, sheet music, and song lyrics, 9 pages.
Folded card with colored pencil illustration. Front shows a tree, smiley face, and is signed "Beatrice." Inside features assorted illustrations including three balloons, two hearts and a star, and large smiley face. Back shows three 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.
Summary: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette breaking news report on the October 27 attack, updated throughout the day as events unfolded. Lists charges filed against alleged perpetrator. Includes map of the Tree of Life building, pinpointing locations of key moments of the attack. Also includes accounts from people who witnessed aspects of the attack.
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 confirms God's love and urges the reader not to let hate triumph over faith. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "My heart, my grief, my compassion, and my best wishes are with all of you. Love, Cherlz from L.A."
Eight-page booklet printed on off-white paper. Program provides order of memorial service, lists names of deceased congregants by family, and lists names of congregational officers.
Handmade card in colored pencil on paper. The outside features a series of staples running down the side and two hole punches. Cream-colored yarn is tied in a bow around the left-hand hole. From right to left, the inside reads, in Hebrew: "Zachor" (remember) and "Love, Cat Dog. Me and family are so sorry." Assorted hearts appear on the right flap; a group of multicolored blocks with a heart-shaped cat or dog face on top appears on the left. The back is signed, on the lower center: "From Aviva and Shosie."
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 are with you, our brothers and sisters. Stand strong within your faith- unyielding, unshakeable. Do not despair." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
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.