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
Card with colored pencil illustration. When opened, the card features an illustration of a tree and grass. It inscribed with the following message: "We are sorry for your loss" and the word "love" surrounded by a heart.
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: "Stay strong, remain faithful, know you're loved. - Scott." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Handmade card on white paper. Eleven trees, illustrated in blue ink, appear in the center. The number 11 appears below, followed by a heart. The card reads: "For the 11 people that died. Love, Coleman [last redacted]."
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.
Summary: Tribune Review High School Sports Network report on the cancellation of the Pittsburgh City League football championship following the attack.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by a group of six families. The tag commemorates the ten trees that were planted by the National Forest Foundation in memory of the October 27 attack victims. The note is printed on a tag with a beige background from a local florist.
Handwritten note written in black marker on dotted graph paper. The note reads: "Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living." Creasing and staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
White envelope with handwritten message in black ink, reading: "In Greatest Sympathy to Residents of Squirrel Hill and Tree of Life Community and Jewish people throughout the world." Staining, creasing, and tearing on the edge due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Summary: Pittsburgh City Paper breaking news report on the October 27 attack. Includes real-time tweets from City Paper publisher Justin Matase and comments from various local elected officials.
Floral tag from floral arrangement, which reads: "May they Rest in Peace." The message is written in blue ink on a printed tag with multicolored flowers in the lower right corner. The reverse is stamped with the contact information for Squirrel Hill Flower Shop.
Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The front cover features a large rose and reads: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 (NIV)." The inside reads: "Blessings and prayers to aid you in healing and the love of God to embrace you and ease the pain. Sally [last name redacted]."
Floral tag from floral arrangement addressed to Rabbi Hazzan Myers at Tree of Life synagogue. The message is printed on flower tag from a local florist. Significant tears 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.
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. Due to water exposure at the memorial site, the message in this card has been partially erased. The remaining text reads: "[?] of Life members... praying for you. Sorry for you[r] loss. [G]od bless you! Love and prayers, Holy Angels CCD." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
Glass jar containing nine miniature Israeli and American flags.
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.
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 all God's People. Love and Praise." 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.