
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
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 black marker. The message reads: "Love is stronger than hate."
Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The inside reads: "Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. St. Peter's Episcopal Church Londonderry, NH."
Miniature Israeli flag attached to a flat stick. Stick features logo of the Eagles' Wings organization. Hand-drawn in red on stick is a heart and handwritten note reading, "We Christians love the Jews." Rosary with a Miraculous Medal wrapped around stick.
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 prayers for peace and unity. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Hardwritten card in blue pen on white paper, offering condolences following the October 27 attack.
Single page with typed text. Text lists order of Friday evening service, including page numbers and readings with instructions for cantor.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The message reads: "We love you and we're with you."
Oral history with Ira Frank recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th oral history project.
Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "Pittsburgh, I will always love you. My heart goes out to you and is here too. Pittsburgh Strong."
Tri-fold pamphlet with typed text. Cover includes logos for Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence, Ceasefire PA, and Bed the Arc: Jewish Action Pittsburgh. Interior provides statistics about gun violence, information about legislative priorities, and calls for action. Back cover features photograph of Pittsburgh skyline.
Summary: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report on Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf's order for flags at commonwealth buildings to be lowered to half-staff in memory of the victims of the October 27 attack.
Weight covered in blue metallic cellophane, gathered and tied at top, affixed to a ceramic base. Gold and silver metallic streamers stem from the center. Tile has dirt on bottom.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Peace and love from Denver, CO."
Bilingual note written in black ink on lined notebook paper. The message reads in both Hebrew and English: "You are Loved. You are not forgotten." Signed with a Star of David.
Folded card with colored pencil illustration. Cover reads: "Remember that we are here with you" with a heart below. Inside shows an illustration of stick figure surrounded by six hearts. Back reads: "It's fine we're here with you" and features an upright hand.
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The front cover reads: "To: The Jewish Community of Pittsburgh. From: Yisroel [last name redacted], Chicago IL." The inside reads: "I feel so sad for you. My hachlata (resolution) is to give 3 cents instead of 1 or 2 cents. You should have everything you need. And Hashem (God) should give you all that you need." Spelling errors have been corrected for clarity.
Folded card with crayon illustration. Cover features heart surrounded by circles and name Max. Interior reads "Things do get better. I am sorry for the 11 killed and their families. But the world's not over. How will you bounce back from the tragedy. You guys are really strong sticking through the tragedy." Second note reads. "We are with you! Michele."
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.