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 with marker illustration. Front and back cover features illustration of tree with heart superimposed on it. Interior features heart with X in center and words "We're all in this together. Things will get better. You're not alone."
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "Love is strongest power exists." A Star of David appears below.
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 messages of love and support. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Handwritten note written in brown marker on green coloring paper reading: "Let there be love and light in this world. Our thoughts are with this community. We send our love, light and peace. C. [last name redacted]."
Summary: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Editorial Board editorial calling for community in the aftermath of the October 27 attack. Compares attack to other recent local tragedies, including the shooting of three Pittsburgh Police officers in Stanton Heights in 2009 and the Flight 93 crash in Somerset County on Sept. 11, 2001.
Oral history of Nancy Bernstein, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Card with photograph of ribbons laid out in a rainbow pattern. The inside reads: "God bless. Sandy and Cheri."
Folded card on orange paper. The front cover feature a large Star of David outlined in black marker. The inside features a cartoon of a young girl wearing a Star of David t-shirt. Creasing 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 "Melvin Wax." 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.
Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "Love will always win! Don't lose hope. -Gabi Z.-"
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."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads, in Hebrew: "Shalom" (Peace). Signed with a heart.
Printed note in black ink on bright green paper. The note reads: "Hate has no home here. Our hearts are heavy with grief." Tape marks visible on the right and left sides of the note. Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Summary: KDKA-TV report from a havdalah vigil at the corner of Forbes and Murray Aves. in Squirrel Hill.
Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The envelope contains the handwritten inscription: "God Bless" [heart]. The front cover reads: "Faith is the friend that comes along when things just seem to go all wrong." The inside reads: "My mother and I were so saddened when we heard of the tragedy that occurred. It seems unthinkable that a human being could behave in such a deplorable manner. My mother and I are keeping everyone and their families in our hearts, minds and prayers.
Navy blue cotton t-shirt with white and gold screen-printed lettering. Lettering on front reads, "Pitt/Stronger Than Hate" with a Star of David taking the place of the dot above the letter I in "Pitt."
One-page flyer with typed text in multiple colors. Lists featured scholars and presenters for conference. Footer contains logos of sponsoring organizations.
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.