
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 blue ink. The message reads: "I will raise my children Jewish #neverforget." 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 contains messages of condolences and wishes for strength and courage. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "There is always hope in the face of despair [despair] and kindness will guide us through." Tape affixed to the upper edge.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "From strength to strength [Star of David]. With you from KBH and all of Virginia Beach."
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."
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 support and prayer. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Copy of the original charter of Tree of Life Congregation. Four-page typescript document with handwritten annotations. Describes purposes of the congregation and names charter members.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "Standing with you." Tape marks and color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Floral tag from floral arrangement, which reads: "May the lord Be with you!" The message is written in black ink on a printed tag with white and purple flecked flowers.
Floral tag from floral arrangement. The tag features a quote from Psalm 121:4, which reads: "Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber no sleep." The message is handwritten in black ink on a printed tag with white and purple flecked flowers.
Hardwritten card in blue pen on white paper, offering condolences following the October 27 attack.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The message reads: "We are so sorry! Love and Peace. Your neighbors. Gail and Rich."
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.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "May their memories be a blessing." Signed with a heart and a Star of David.
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.
Folded card with marker illustrations, decorated with stickers. Front features illustration of animal with word bubble "Hi" surrounded by a feature, two balloons, and a kite. Interior features illustration of snowflake and cartoon faces inspired by five emoji stickers and the sender's name "Sadie [last name redacted for privacy]."
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 card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. Front cover features a quote attributed to the fictional Sesame Street character, Cookie Monster: "Sometimes me think, what is friend? And then me say, friend is someone to share the last cookie with." Illustration of a smiling face with a long nose and blond hair appears below. Signed: "Fernando." The inside reads: "Dear Congregation, I am sorry for your losses. We are here for you all the way from Colorado. Sincerely, Fernando Littleton, CO." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
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.
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.