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
Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The envelope contains the handwritten inscription: "God Bless" [heart]. The front cover reads: "Faith is the friend that comes along when things just seem to go all wrong." The inside reads: "My mother and I were so saddened when we heard of the tragedy that occurred. It seems unthinkable that a human being could behave in such a deplorable manner. My mother and I are keeping everyone and their families in our hearts, minds and prayers.
Torn page from a children's coloring book with illustrations of a seal and fish on the front and a lion on the back.
Black and white photograph showing four men holding Torah scrolls, alongside fifth man and boy. Label taped to photograph reads, "________, __________, Elovitz brothers, Dr. Weisberg."
Floral tag enclosed in orange envelope from floral arrangement. The tag reads: "Love from your friends in Sewickley." The message is writtein black ink on a printed tag with a forest landscape; the "o" in "Love" is written as a heart. The reverse is stamped with the contact information fo Squirrel Hill Flower Shop.
Pamphlet for the Christian organization, "Guardians of Freedom."
Card addressed to Irving Younger. Cover features a reproduction of a painting by Frank Crosby, a resident of the Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh. The inside contains messages of love and support written by other members of the Emmaus Community.
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 words of support and prayers for God's love. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Handwritten note written in black marker on dotted graph paper. The note reads: "Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living." Creasing and staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Typed condolence note with the names of the eleven victims of the October 27 attack listed in alphabetical order.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by the Vishny family in Irvine, California. The bouquet was sent in memory of Rose Mallinger, and all the other October 27 attack victims. The note is printed on a tag with a beige background from a local florist.
Handwritten letter written in black ink on glossy, lined notebook paper. The author, who identifies themself as a Hindu, articulates their belief in the Hindu concept of the soul's eternal nature. They conclude their letter with a Hindu prayer transliterated and translated into English. Fading and spotting due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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.
Business card from Reverend John Shaver of San Dieguito Methodist Church in Encinitas, Ca.
Handwritten card in green, orange, and red crayon on paper. The card reads, in large bubble letters: "Thinking of you" and illustrated with concentric hearts in red, orange, and green. Signed: "From Meira, West Orange, NJ." Tearing and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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. The inside contains an illustrated tree surrounded by hearts. The tree is labeled "Tree of Life" on the branches and "Synagogue" below. The card reads: "Tree of Life, I am so sorry for your loss. We will pray and keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We will continue to pray for you at the nights come. Have a great day! Love, Natalie T. Holy Angels CCD, 6th grade."
Black and white photograph of the 1901 confirmation class of Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh. Shows four girls and three boys in formal wear.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11/4/2018 and reads: "To the Tree of Life Synagogue, Our love and support go out to you. Only the Love of God in us can help to overcome such a tragedy and grief. Stay strong, stay united, and know that we at Point Loma Church in San Diego are praying for you and remembering you. With His Love, Geri [last name redacted]."
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.