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

Laminated ombre heart

Laminated heart with red, pink, and ombre coloring. The words "Peace" and "Love" are written in the center.

Randi notecard

Note from Randi dated 11/10/18. Randi thanks the community for "teaching my husband all he knows." An illustration of a tree appears on the back of the card with words of support to the Tree of Life synagogue written on the tree trunk.

"O God of Mercy" prayer card

Prayer card with the words of a prayer to be recited every day at high noon. The prayer reads: "O God of mercy, give us peace. Peace in our hearts. Peace in our homes. Peace in our community. Peace in the world." Staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

Post-it note (126)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "God is love. Love beats hate any day." Signed by Cecelia [last name redacted]."

Laurel and Louie notecard

Note from Laurie and Louie, a couple from Annapolis, Md. dated 11/5/18.

Laminated graphic with broken heart

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

Post-it note (179)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. Written in Hebrew, the note contains an adaptation of the biblical verse in 1 Samuel 15:29. Translated into English, the message reads: "The Glory of Judah does not deceive or change His mind..." Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (089)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11-4-2018 and reads: "Dear Friends, I wish I was there to put my arms around all of you but all I have is this paper and pen. May you sense comfort and care through these note and know that I and many more from the community in San Diego stand in solidarity with you and your community. We condemn such violence against God's children whom we all are on this earth and hope for a time of safety and peace throughout, soon!! God's peace, Sandy."

Pitt's offense — and a late touchdown pass — power rally past Duke

Summary: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette coverage of Pitt vs. Duke football game played on the morning of the October 27 attack. Includes brief mention of the players holding a moment of silence for victims of the attack.

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (081)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Brothers and Sisters LOVE conquers all!!!"

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (075)

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-"

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (088)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Friends, we share deeply in your sorrow. Our prayers continue; please feel the strength and love that we send to each of you. With love and prayers, Cynthia [last name redacted]."

George Washington University Hillel card (Washington D.C.) (14)

Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The front cover reads: "Hugs" with asterisks on either side. The inside (from right to left) reads: "Sending you messages of hope, love, and comfort from Washington D.C. Love, Alex. May God be with you and your families."

"Caring Thoughts Are With You" card

Card with handwritten notes from various members of one family members. Front cover features white flowers on an ombre background and reads: "Caring Thoughts Are With You." The inside contains messages of support to all the families affected by the October 27 attack.

Flowers and butterfly card

Card addressed to the Tree of Life congregation. The front cover features an illustration of flowers and a butterfly in the upper center. The inside is dated 11/2/18 and conveys the senders wish that the memories of the victims be for a blessing and their solidarity with the Tree of Life congregation.

"In Sympathy and Caring" card

Card with handwritten note from a non-Jewish resident on Montreal, Canada. The front cover features a pin with a red velvet poppy flower and a Canadian flag pinned over a pink flower. The inside contains a message of support from a non-Jewish resident of Montreal, Doug, who writes: "Though I am not Jewish, and cannot fully understand, I live in the middle of a beautiful vibrant Jewish community in Montreal, Canada."

Hakesher: The Connection [Issue No. 112]

Paper booklet with typed text, color photographs, 24-pages with saddle-stitched binding. Contains short articles by employees of the congregation on a range of topics.

Post-it note (165)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "I think about you constantly. Sending love." The Hebrew acronym, "with the help of heaven," appears in the upper right.

"With Deepest Sympathy" card

Sympathy card with bouquet of daisies in a mason jar, tied with a pink ribbon in a bow, illustrated on the front cover. Letter addressed to "Tree of Life, Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, the United States, the world." The senders extoll the moral imperative that love triumph over hate.

Hundreds hold vigil for victims of Squirrel Hill synagogue shooting

Summary: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review report on a havdalah vigil held at the intersection of Murray and Forbes avenues on the evening of the October 27 attack.