The Archive | October 27 Archive

The Collection

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.

Using this archive

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.

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Photograph showing selection of archival materials

St. Peter's Episcopal Church (Londonderry, N. H.) card (14)

Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The front cover reads: "Faith is the friend that comes along when things just seem to go all wrong." The inside reads: "You are not alone in this tragedy. We will pray for God's peace for your community. Love is stronger than hate. Colleen and Michael."

Park Avenue Synagogue (New York, Ny.) binders with illustrated selections from the "Prayer of Peace"

Two identical binders containing photocopies of handwritten, illustrated selections from the "Prayer of Peace" created by sixth grade students at Park Avenue Synagogue (New York, Ny.). The front cover of each binder reads: "Read Me, A Prayer for Peace, For Tree of Life Synagogue From Park Avenue Synagogue NYC 6th Graders." Each student illustrated a stanza from the "Prayer for Peace," an eighteenth century prayer which was composed by Rabbi Natan Sternharz, a prominent student of the Chasidic leader, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, and is included in the Rabbinical Assembly's prayer book.

Chabad at Franklin & Marshall College Mitzvah4Pittsburgh pledge card (77)

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.

"Art of Steel" business card

Business card from Art of Steel, Ltd., a gift store located in Pittsburgh's Strip District neighborhood.

"Thinking of You" card

Card with handwritten note. Front cover features a photograph of wildflowers in a diamond in the center and the words "Thinking of You" below. The inside contains a handwritten message of support on behalf of the Riverside Community Church in Oakmont, Pa.

"Shalom" card

Card with the Hebrew word "Shalom" (Peace) on the front cover. The letter inside is dated Dec. 2018 and was written by members of a family from Madison, Wi., who were driving to New Jersey to visit relatives for the holidays. While enroute, they stopped in Pittsburgh and dropped off this card, along with a bouquet of flowers, which they hoped would bring joy to a family, perhaps a child.

Lenora Dingus oral history

Oral history with Lenora Dingus recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th oral history project.

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (035)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated Nov. 4, '18 and reads: "We are so sorry to learn of the horrible tragedy that has befallen your church. Please know that we at Point Loma Pres. in San Diego are with you in prayer always and that God will always make things right in His own time and way. Stay strong in His word and trust Him to heal your hearts. In this we pray and support you from afar. Eric [last name redacted] PLPC."

The Church at Severn Run card (09)

Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "May God bring you peace and blanket you with His love during this difficult time."

Dor Hadash sukkah decorating photograph

Photograph showing group of adults and children along the outer wall of a sukkah at the Hebrew Institute in Squirrel Hill.

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (013)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dearest brothers and sisters of faith, Words cannot express the sadness and rage we feel in what has happened in your community. May God grant you His peace- as only [underlined] He [underlined] can do and know our love and prayers are with you. In love, Jolene and Dave [last name redacted] Point Loma Pres- San Diego, Ca."

Beth Chai Congregation (Bethesda, Md.) letter (35)

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.

Beth Chai Congregation (Bethesda, Md.) letter (37)

Folded card with colored pencil illustration. Front and back of card feature Stars of David enclosed by hearts. Inside reads: "Thumbs up I feel your pain" and features a stylized thumbs up and a smiley face.

Post-it note (052)

Post-it note with handwritten message and illustration in black marker. The note is signed: "[heart] Dorothy" and features two abstract circle and oval shaped illustrations.

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (091)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "To the Tree of Life Community, We are praying for you in San Diego and sending you blessings through this difficult time. God is with you and holding your members who passed in His loving hand. May His light fill your hearts during these dark times and remind you of His love even through the things we cannot explain. Bless you, Gresham." An illustration of a tree filled with hearts appears below.

"To the Tree of Life" envelope

Turquoise envelope with handwritten inscription in black ink addressed: "To the Tree of Life." Staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

The Church at Severn Run card (63)

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 messages of love and support. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.

Pink card (1)

Folded card on pink paper. A faded Star of David appears on lower right corner. Blue and yellow staining throughout. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the message on this card is no longer visible.

Chabad at Franklin & Marshall College Mitzvah4Pittsburgh pledge card (43)

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.

"Pray For The Dead" note

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.