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.

View the collection

Photograph showing selection of archival materials

Post-it note (084)

Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "We are stronger together!!" Signed: "Arielle."

Post-it note (119)

Post-it note with handwritten message in red marker. The note is written in Hebrew and English. The message reads, in Hebrew: "Am Yisrael Chai" (The People of Israel Live). It is signed: Yuval ISRAEL. A Star of David appears in the center.

Post-it note (060)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Love with [will] always win in a war against hate. -Simon [last name redacted]."

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (06)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. Cover features an illustration of an American flag and Israeli flag flanking a budding plant in the lower center, and a bilingual quote in English and Hebrew attributed to Ghandi in the upper center. In English, the quote reads: "Be the change you want to see in the world." The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am so sorry for your loss. It breaks my hear to hear about acts of Anti-Semitism. I am keeping you and your congregation in my heart and prayers.

Multicolored flowers card

Card with a pattern of multicolored flowers on the front cover. The message inside has faded due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial. It begins in Hebrew, reading: "Peace in our days, Tree of Life." It concludes in English, reading: "Never forget 10.27.2018."

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (004)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dearest sisters and brothers in the Lord, I just wanted to encourage you in the midst of all this tragedy and sadness that God will rise up among the carnage and be glorified through such honor and sadness. He is alive and well, and I know it doesn't feel like He is among you. He is and He will reign forever and be there with you in these hard times. He loves each and every one of you and has a plan for all of this.

"Eleven Beautiful Leaves" letter

Handwritten note written in yellow marker on a printed paper with a framed picture with leaves around the edges. The note is written inside the leaf frame and reads: "Eleven beautiful leaves for eleven beautiful sweet souls ripped away... Six strong trees for the six injured but here to stay. Hated can't weaken a city of steel."

Post-it note (154)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The note features an illustration of a heart with the numbers "412" written inside.

"Members of Tree of Life" floral tag

Floral tag from floral arrangement addressed to the members of the Tree of Life synagogue. The note is printed on a tag with a beige background from a local florist; tearing in the center right due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

Forest animals card

Card with woodland animals and the word "Hello" on the front cover. The inside contains a handwritten note from someone who had been a neighbor of Tree of Life for the past 35 years and was deeply affected by the October 27 attack. "Though we are not Jewish, the thoughts and prayers of our whole family are with your congregation at this time."

The Church at Severn Run card (42)

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

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Dried Floral Arrangement

Metallic jar containing dried flowers and branches.

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.

"Tree of Life Congregation" envelope

White envelope addressed to Tree of Life Congregation. Handwritten in black ink. Staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

The Church at Severn Run card (15)

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 is dated October 28, 2018 and reads: "Dear Friends, Peace to you. May you live in the love, joy, and kindness of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God is on the throne, always. Harry [last name redacted]." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.

Team 26 Welcome Reception program

Page of typed text. Header includes a roadway in the outline of a heart, surrounded by people on bikes. Green border around page. Program lists speakers at event. Footer inlcudes logos for Moms Demand Action, Ceasefire PA, and Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence and acknowledgement of several donors.

The Church at Severn Run card (86)

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 affirms God's greatness and his love. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.

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.

Post-it note (103)

Post-it note with handwritten message in red marker. The note, which is written inside a heart, reads: "We love you guys." Two Stars of David appear on the lower right and center.

The Church at Severn Run card (68)

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 peace, love, and unity. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.