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
Handwritten note written in blue ink on lined paper from Jessica and Aron [last names redacted] from Ridgewood, NJ. Staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial. The back of the note features advertising for Market Central, one of the largest dining halls on the University of Pittsburgh's campus.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The note is written: "Heartbroken with all of you."
Handwritten and illustrated card on light blue paper. The card reads: "We love you!" Signed: "Your friend, Bennett." Illustrations of sun, various flowers, and five hearts appear in the center.
Small saddle-stitched booklet with large wine stain across cover, 37 pages.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "Love is stronger than hate." Signed with a heart.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "May their memories be a blessing. Love [heart] From Charlotte, NC." Tape on the upper edge.
Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of seven children holding hands around a table with a large goblet and loaf of braided bread, and seven doves. The illustration is labeled: "We are people of God's peace." The inside reads: "Don't bully people and stand up for people when they are getting bullied."
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "Rest in Peace. Toronto."
Miniature New York State flag. Wrapped around stem of flag is a slip of laminated yellow paper reading, "In Memory of our Sister ROSE MALLINGER 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.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "On the street where I lived many years ago. I remember it with calm and safety. May this spot once again, one day, be a place of comfort and peace for my Jewish community and all people."
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 prayer, unity, and love. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
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.
Preprinted card with handwritten message in black ink. Front of card reads, "You are being loved, prayed over, and held close in caring hearts."
Pittsburgh Penguins hockey jersey with team logo on front and "Crosby 87" on back. Detail shows manufacturer's patch featuring the logo of Tree of Life-Or L'Simcha Congregation and the logo of the Pittsburgh Penguins above the words "Stronger Than Hate."
Card with large pink rose on the cover with note from Amanda, Jon, Anne Elisabeth, Daniel, and Jay [last name redacted] inside."
Card addressed to Rose Mallinger, written using personal details from various public sources.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads, in Hebrew: "Shalom" (Peace). Signed with a heart.
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.
Hardwritten card in blue pen on white paper, offering condolences following the October 27 attack.
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.