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
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 with you, our brothers and sisters. Stand strong within your faith- unyielding, unshakeable. Do not despair." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Please feel our love, our support and our commitment to peace in this world. Our church community holds you and your congregation in our hearts. Susan [last name redacted]
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The note is written in Hebrew and English. Translated into English, the message reads: "The People of Israel Lives. Love from Toronto, Mark [last name redacted]."
Business card from Pastor J. Hogan of Faithbridge Community Church.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Rest In Peace. In your Happy Place Now."
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "No one ever do that."
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.
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: "You are loved and we see you! Never give up because you mean more than can you imagine. Signed, A friend." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Handmade, screen-printed card on yellow paper with green paint. A heart appears in the center. Signed, lower right: "Love, Khira D." The card has been laminated.
Small saddle-stitched booklet with large wine stain across cover, 37 pages.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated Nov. 4, 2018 and reads: "Dear Tree of Life Synagogue Members, Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find strength and comfort in your faith and fellowship. Our community prays for yours, with love, The [redacted] Family and Point Loma Comm. Presbyterian Church."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "You are in our thoughts and prayers knowing our Karla was living in your neighborhood has helped us so much-"
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 blue marker. The message reads: "May your memory be for a blessing. Sending love and healing from Jews in Berkeley, CA." Signed with a Star of David.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "We love [heart] Tree of Life." Staining and color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. Front cover reads: "We Are One" with an illustrated heart below. The inside reads: "The GW community sends prayers and holds your community in our hearts. We will find a way to come out stronger."
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: "There can't be light without the dark. We are praying for your safety and peace. Holy Angels CCD." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by Daniel Mulhall, the Irish ambassador to the United States, on behalf of the people of Ireland. The note is printed on a tag with a beige background from a local florist.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The message reads: "Sending love, support, and solidarity." Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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.