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
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Please feel our love, our support and our commitment to peace in this world. Our church community holds you and your congregation in our hearts. Susan [last name redacted]
Folded card with marker and colored pencil illustration. Front and back cover features Star of David inside heart. Interior features illustrations of heart and tree and word "Please accept our love and thoughts at this terrible time. Beth Chai Congregation, Bethesda, Md."
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by Daniel Mulhall, the Irish ambassador to the United States, on behalf of the people of Ireland. The note is printed on a tag with a beige background from a local florist.
Summary: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Editor David Shribman shares his personal account of learning about the attack and describes the scene in Squirrel Hill.
19-paged saddle-stitched booklet. Includes note from current president, explaination of Reconstructionist Judaism, and history of Congregation Dor Hadash with reproduction of archival materials, Typed half-page booklet printed in color and staple-bound.
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: The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
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.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Tree of Life, I bleed for you and with you. My soul hurts for you. I stand with you in your faith. I pray for healing. Lola. Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "We will love, no matter."
Printed card with the seven biblical laws of Noah. Each law is printed in the respective colors of the rainbow. Staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated Nov. 4, 2018 and reads: "Dear Tree of Life Synagogue Members, Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find strength and comfort in your faith and fellowship. Our community prays for yours, with love, The [redacted] Family and Point Loma Comm. Presbyterian Church."
Handwritten card in red marker on paper. The card reads: "We are so sorry. We love you. Owen and Lily." Two stick figures appear below.
Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "May your memories be forever a blessing and may the Holy One hold in his Heart forever."
Summary: KDKA-TV breaking news report on the October 27 attack. Includes updates throughout the day with more info about the shooting and responses from public officials
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, labeled "Tree of Life" and reads: "Tree of Life Members, I am really sorry for your loss. I'm praying for you everyday. May all people that have passed away rest in heaven peacefully, and all that are injured good luck to recovery. May all the souls' hearts that have been broken recover and rejoy: Much Love From, Elaina, Holy Angels Church, 6th Grade."
Handmade card on white paper. Three flowers, illustrated in purple ink, appear in the center. The card reads: "I am sorry what happened... [illegible] from Griffin."
Typed two-page letter addressed to the Tree of Life synagogue, families of victims, and survivors. Dated Sunday Nov. 18, 2024. Contains tributes from multiple individuals throughout western and central Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Beaver, Elk, and Washington counties, as well as a couple from Pacific Grove, Ca. The second page has since been lost.
13-page program. Black text on blue paper. Contains selection of readings and prayers as part of a "Sabbath of Learning" service.
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.