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
Summary: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report on President Donald Trump's announcement of plans to visit Pittsburgh following the October 27 attack. Includes statements and comments from the president regarding various aspects of the attack.
Large bound volume. Cover features gold writing embossed onto white leather and reads, "Book of Life, New Light Sisterhood, Donated By Mr. and Mrs. Harold Marcus in memory of Herman L. Katz." Interior pages contain handwritten messages in calligraphy.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love always triumphs over hate." Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Oral history with Ira Frank recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th oral history project.
Summary: Associated Press wire report carried by WESA about President Donald Trump's public response to the October 27 attack.
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 reads: "We [a]re with you. We love you. We care about you." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
White envelope with a handwritten note in blue ink, reading: "To Our Jewish Friends and Neighbors." Staining, color bleeding, and minor tearing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "May their memories be a blessing." Signed with a heart and a Star of David.
Post-it note with handwritten message and illustration in blue, red, and black ink. The message reads: "Stronger Than Hate" and is accompanied by the adapted Steelers' emblem with blue and red diamonds and a Star of David.
Card addressed to Daniel Stein. 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.
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. Front cover reads: "From: Menachem [last name redacted] To: Jewish Community of Pittsburgh." Inside reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live). Passed away: 11, Injured: 2 Yidden (Jews) + 2 policemen=4. Illustrated below there is a wagon holding the shooter, who says in a word bubble: "I just wanted to kill Jews." A man with a hat, perhaps a police officer, is seated on the right.
Folded card with crayon and marker illustration. Cover features smiley face. Interior features illustration of heart and of rising sun. Text reads, "Things do get better. We are so sorry for your loss and all the pain you've endured in recent days. Sending our best wishes and love for healing and peace in the days ahead. Beth [last name redacted for privacy] of Beth Chai Congregation in Maryland.
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."
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "What happened here will not be forgotten." Signed with a Star of David.
Single-page folded to create four-page booklet. Black text on blue paper. Cover features illustration of number 15 with decorative flowers. Interior includes details of event.
Summary: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review report identifying one of the Tree of Life survivors as Daniel Leger, a member of Congregation Dor Hadash.
Glass vase containing bouquet of synthetic orange, white, and red flowers. Also includes synthetic roses in cellophane. Note with typed text taped to vase. Note reads, "For our dear friend Joyce Fienberg, from [redacted], Green Templeton College, Oxford University, and [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.