The Archive | October 27 Archive

The Collection

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.

Using this archive

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.

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Photograph showing selection of archival materials

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (15)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover contains the following quote attributed to O.G. Mandino: "Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough." Illustrated with the image of two stick figures, labeled "strength" and "failure" respectively standing on either side of a wall. The inside reads: "Dear Congregation of the Tree of Life, I am sorry for what happened and I hope everything gets better.

Stronger Than Hate ornament

Engraved aluminum medallion attached to gray ribbon. Medallion features engraving of Pittsburgh skyline, bordered by design resembling bridges and the words "Stronger Than Hate." Accompanying card provides context for medallion against a yellow and white gradient with black text. Includes quotation from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Post-it note (050)

Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "To never be silent at the arms of our oppressors."

"In Sympathy" card

Sympathy card with a white flower on the front cover. The inside contains a handwritten message from two Christian individuals, who wish to convey their solidarity as fellow members of a religious community.

Holy Angels Parish (Pittsburgh, Pa.) card (44)

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. It is signed: "[S]ean [last name redacted] Holy Angels CCD Grade 5." Due to water exposure at the memorial site, the message in this card has been partially erased. The remaining text inside reads: "[D]ear Tree of Life Members, I am very sorry of what happened... that peace is comforting everyone...tragedy in synagogue. P.S. Peace be with you.

"So much to honor" card

Card from two individuals, Hannah and Emeta [last names redacted]. Both senders convey their condolences and sign their messages with the wish that the memories of the victims be for a blessing, a common expression in Jewish mourning rituals.

Card with Schenley Park scene

Card with a photograph of a tree in Schenley Park on a misty day. The inside reads: "Our hearts are heavy as we grieve for the losses and pray for unity and strength. In sympathy, Helen and John [last name redacted]." The photograph on the card was taken by Lisa Seligman, a Pittsburgh-based nature photographer.

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Preserved Rose

Natural red rose preserved in plastic box.

Change is Coming letter

Letter dated 10/28/18. Difficult to read due to creasing and staining sustained at the Wilkins memorial.

"Etz Chaim" card

Envelope with the Hebrew words "Etz Chaim" (Tree of Life) written in the center. The card features a large white dover on a blue background. It is addressed: "Beloved Mishpacha (family)." The note inside articulates the senders' pilgrimage to place a stone at the memorial which developed outside of the Tree of Life synagogue in the aftermath of the October 27 attack. Leaving a stone at graveside is a common Jewish mourning ritual. The letter concludes with a biblical quote from Job 14:7-9.

Erin notecard

Note of condolence from Erin addressed to the eleven victims, the wounded, their families, and the synagogue communities.

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (027)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Beloved of the Lord- We cry with you in your sorrow, loss, and anger, And we pray with you for healing, forgiveness, hope and peace- Because of the One God who gave life to us all. In the name of His Son, Yeshua, Your sister, Kate [last name redacted]."

Post-it note (166)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The note is written in Hebrew. Translated into English, it reads: "Blessed is the true judge." Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

"Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church" program

Program from October 7, 2018 Sunday worship at Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. The program was later inscribed with the following handwritten message: "Our prayers are with you!"

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (003)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Friends at Tree of Life Synagogue, My heart hurts and aches for the tragedy and violence you have seen. I have thought about it many times as I sit in my own church with family and friends. May God wake with you always, ALL ways, may His breath be in yours, may you heal and grow together from this horrible loss. With much love, Katie [last name redacted] from PLCPC.

How to Support Children in Times of Crisis flyer

Trifold pamphlet with typed text over orange background. Cover includes photograph of Roberta Schomberg and program details. Interior includes photographs of Fred Rogers and the Rodef Shalom Congregation sanctuary and a description of the Pursuer of Peace in Action program series, as well as an advertisement for a toy and book drive hosted by JFCS Pittsburgh. Back page features Rodef Shalom Congregation logo.

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New York State memorial flag (David Rosenthal)

Miniature New York State flag. Wrapped around stem of flag is a slip of laminated yellow paper reading, "In Memory of our Brother DAVID ROSENTHAL 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 (108)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Stay strong [underlined]. If we work together hate can't win! [Heart]. [Heart] Pittsburgh [Heart]. - Stella K."

Laminated graphic with broken heart

Laminated card with an orange heart, broken into several pieces, in the center, on a black back drop.

The Church at Severn Run card (63)

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.