The Archive | October 27 Archive

The Collection

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.

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.

View the collection

Photograph showing selection of archival materials

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (085)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Our hearts are with you. The Bolsters, Point Loma."

In Memoriam (2019) program

Tri-fold pamphlet with typed text. Cover includes logos for Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence, Ceasefire PA, and Bed the Arc: Jewish Action Pittsburgh. Interior provides statistics about gun violence, information about legislative priorities, and calls for action. Back cover features photograph of Pittsburgh skyline.

George Washington University Hillel card (Washington D.C.) (15)

Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The front cover contains an illustrated heart. The inside reads: "We stand with you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With love, Leah and Molly from GW."

"Louis" card

Handwritten card in pencil on paper. The front cover features a Star of David in the center and reads in Hebrew: "L'chaim" (to life). The inside reads: "My condolences for this tragedy. Sending love from Cleveland, Ohio. Stay strong. You are in my prayers. Love, Louis [last name redacted]."

The Numbers Keep Changing program

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."

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (029)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "My prayers are with you all at the Tree of Life synagogue. May our God ease your sorrow. Know that He is with you. May God bless you all. Eloise."

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (009)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Tree of Life, Love always wins. We are with you. Blessings, Dolly and Stan [last name redacted]."

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (081)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Brothers and Sisters LOVE conquers all!!!"

Laminated red heart

Laminated red heart with the words "Love" and "Peac[e]" written on the upper left. An illustrations of a heart with a triangle in the center, with black lines throughout, perhaps meant to evoke a sense of brokenness appear on the upper right. Smudges on the front side due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

Beth Chai Congregation (Bethesda, Md.) letter (15)

Folded card with marker and colored pencil illustration. Front and back cover features Star of David inside heart. Interior features illustrations of heart and tree and word "Please accept our love and thoughts at this terrible time. Beth Chai Congregation, Bethesda, Md."

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Meryl Ainsman oral history

Oral history of Meryl Ainsman, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.

Baycrest Jewish Home for the Aged card (1)

Hand painted card by a resident of the Baycrest Jewish Home for the Aged in Toronto, Canada. The front cover features a colorful bouquet with the words "With Sympathy" below. The inside contains a typed message conveying condolences from Toronto, including the traditional Jewish mourning blessing in English translation, English transliteration, and Hebrew, "May God comfort you among the rest of the mourners in Zion and Jerusalem."

Post-it note (142)

Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "Jersey strong supports #pittsburghstrong. God bless you all!"

Chabad at Franklin & Marshall College Mitzvah4Pittsburgh pledge card (72)

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.

"Graccie" letter

Letter written with red ink on lined notebook paper. The letter reads: "Stay strong. Gone but neve[r] forgotten. From Graccie [last name redacted]. We miss you." Illustrated with a small heart and Star of David.

Card with young girl on sandy beach

Card with handwritten note from member of the Jewish Community Center in Rochester, Ny. The front cover features a photograph of a young girl standing on a sandy beach.

"Peace Strength Healing" card

Sympathy card addressed to the Squirrel Hill community and members of the Tree of Life synagogue. The front cover features three illustrations of wildflowers, labeled Peace, Strength, and Healing, respectively. The inside contains a handwritten message, including a quote from President Abraham Lincoln, from "a friend in Pittsburgh."

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Star of David memorial (Bernice Simon)

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.

Bethany [redacted] to Irving Younger card

Card with handwritten note to Irving Younger. The envelope reads: "In Loving Memory of Irv Younger. From a friend." The front cover features a photograph of a mother bird with two chicks. The inside contains a heartfelt message to Irving Younger, one of the victims of the October 27 attack.

"I love you" card

Handwritten card in pink and blue pencil on paper. The card reads: "I love you because you are kind." Signed with a striped heart. Spelling errors corrected for clarity. Smudging and staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.