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
Metallic red rose with wire stem attached to a rock base.
Black and white reproduction of an illustration originally printed in a newspaper, showing synagogue. Cropped selection from larger image.
Post-it note with handwritten message in green ink. The message reads: "We cannot change the past, but we can inspire the future. Let what's happened here be a warning to us all that there is no room for hate anymore."
Rectangular card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. Front reads: "Dear members of Tree of Life, I'm from Japan and I am writing this letter because on extremely sad news about Jewish people came up yesterday. I'm feeling awfully sorry for Jewish people. I've been learning about 3 monotheistic re[li]gions from last month, so it also made me feel that I have connection with every single Jewish person.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Fellow Believer in God, May God bless you and your family."
White ceramic vase (Lenox Poppy Vase) with gold trim at bottom rim and flower pattern. Vase contains stalks of wheat and dried lotus pods bound together with a strip of fabric. Fabric has an autumn harvest theme. Attached to the lotus pod are a not bound in fabric and a wooden heart. Note includes the names of the 11 victims and the message, "Our deepest sympathies to your family, friends, and the Tree of Life community. Our hearts are broken, but our strength is strong. Hate will not win. [Redacted] Denniston and Hastings." Vase has dirt and cobwebs around bottom.
Typed note from the members and friends of First Presbyterian Church in Jamestown, Ny. The text of Psalm 23 appears below. Extensive staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Oral history of Wally Caplan, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "My prayer- my prayer is for all the people affected to be at peace. Please Lord look after their friends and family, loved ones in this time of need. In God's name I pray. Amen."
Floral tag from floral arrangement addressed to the Congregation and Staff at Tree of Life Synagogue. The message is printed on flower tag from a local florist. Creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Handwritten letter expressing sympathy and messages of goodwill from various lay members of the San Dieguito United Methodist Church in Encinitas, California. Last names redacted for privacy.
Summary: Pittsburgh Current breaking news report on the October 27 attack. Updated throughout the day. Includes interview with neighbor of alleged perpetrator of October 27 attack, report from press conference held by Pittsburgh Director of Public Safety Wendell Hissric, and comments from state and local officials.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Stronger Than Hate. Rachel [last name redacted]." A Star of David appears in the lower left corner.
Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The envelope contains the following handwritten message: "With love, and healing thoughts-." The front cover says: "LOVE." The card inside is dated November 1, 2018 and reads: "Dear Congregation- My heart is filled with pain for you. We send you our love, and our hope for healing. Bruce [last name redacted] St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Londonderry, NH."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The note is written in Hebrew and English. Translated into English, the message reads: "May God protect you when you leave and when you come. Happy Chanukah!" Signed in English by the Abrin family, followed by a heart.
Post-it note with handwritten message with blue marker. The message reads: "May their memories always be a blessing. Sending love." 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.
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." Signed "-Jenna [last name redacted]" in the lower right corner. The inside contains several messages, including: "We love [heart symbol] you... Get well soon!!!!... Get well soon... I'm praying for you...hope you get better...we hope you heal fast...get well soon.
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover features the following quote: "Let your smile change the world but don't let the world change your smile." The inside reads: "Dear Tree of Life Congregation, I am very sorry for the bad news. I am a social studies student in Goddard Middle School. I know the feeling of losing someone, and it must be a very hard time for you guys. just so you know we'll be there for you guys and you'll always be in our thoughts. Sincerely, Evangeline."
Oral history with Gemma Del Duca recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th oral history project.
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.