The Archive | October 27 Archive

The Collection

The October 27 Archive currently contains 1476 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

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."

Card with Schenley Park scene

Card with a photograph of a tree in Schenley Park on a misty day. The inside reads: "Our hearts are heavy as we grieve for the losses and pray for unity and strength. In sympathy, Helen and John [last name redacted]." The photograph on the card was taken by Lisa Seligman, a Pittsburgh-based nature photographer.

"May Your Memories Bring You Comfort" card

Card addressed to Rabbi Jeffrey Myers and Tree of Life synagogue from members of an extended family living in Massillon, Oh. (two hour drive from Pittsburgh), as well as Portland, Or., Vancouver, Canada, and San Antonio, Tx. The senders extend their heartfelt sympathies to Rabbi Myers and the entire Tree of Life family. They appended a note on the back flap of the envelope specifying that they brought a stone from the Sea of Galilee.

Eleven dead, six wounded in massacre at Squirrel Hill synagogue

Summary: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette breaking news report on the October 27 attack, updated throughout the day as events unfolded. Lists charges filed against alleged perpetrator. Includes map of the Tree of Life building, pinpointing locations of key moments of the attack. Also includes accounts from people who witnessed aspects of the attack.

"America Stands With You" tag

Printed tag with Tree of Life synagogue emblem in the upper right. The tag reads: "America Stands with You." Creasing and staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

Stone and post-it-note

Glass, blue stone and blue handwritten post-it-note. The post-it-note reads: "God help these families and community. 'Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.' (1 Samuel 7:12). Raise an Ebenezer in Pittsburgh. RIP 11 lovely souls." The back reads: "The Ebenezer is the stone of help."

"There are no words" card

Card with daffodils and a stock message about sadness on the front cover. The sender, Nancy, explains that she sent this card because "I really don't have the words for the horror and anger I feel." Nancy condemns "weak gun laws, hate crime inciting speech" and vows to try and prevent more such attacks.

"Etz Chaim" card

Envelope with the Hebrew words "Etz Chaim" (Tree of Life) written in the center. The card features a large white dover on a blue background. It is addressed: "Beloved Mishpacha (family)." The note inside articulates the senders' pilgrimage to place a stone at the memorial which developed outside of the Tree of Life synagogue in the aftermath of the October 27 attack. Leaving a stone at graveside is a common Jewish mourning ritual. The letter concludes with a biblical quote from Job 14:7-9.

Post-it note (178)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "Stronger than hate." Illustrated with a peace symbol. Color bleeding and staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (018)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The front cover of this card features a heart with the words "God is love." The inside reads: "May you find God's comfort in knowing we are with you in spirit- May the spirit of God stir in the souls of all on our earth to stop the violence against God's people. We want peace on earth and it starts with us knowing our God of peace and love. God bless you and your whole community of believers. Pt Loma Community Pres. Church Loves you all."

George Washington University Hillel card (Washington D.C.) (10)

Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The front cover reads: "Sending our Love." The inside reads: "Lots and lots of love. You are in our thoughts, prayers, AND actions. [Six heart symbols]. Continue being strong [heart symbol]. You are not alone [heart symbol].

Hebrew Academy of Montreal letter (2)

Typed bilingual Hebrew and English letter from a student at Hebrew Academy, a private Jewish day school in Montreal, Quebec. In English the letter reads: "Dear Rabbi, I hope all is well. I'm talking to you from Montreal. I heard what happened last week and I want to say we have been saying Tehillim (Psalms) for you guys in Pittsburg[h]. The whole Jewish community is so sad and I want to say that we are really sorry. I hope all the injured will be okay and heal faster. Sincerely, Joshua [last name redacted]."

"Hugs Not Drugs" zine (3)

Zine page with bubble letters and information about the emotional value of hugs. Zine page with cartoon imagery and information about the value of hugs. A young boy hugs a globe, beneath the inscription: "Embrace the world one hug at a time."

Timeline: Mass shootings an unfortunate part of Pittsburgh's recent history

Summary: Timeline arranged by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette listing six mass shootings in the Pittsburgh region since 2000, including incidents in Wilkinsburg, Beaver County, Stanton Heights, Collier, and Mt. Lebanon.

Post-it note (089)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "We will love, no matter."

West Allegheny Middle School card (012)

Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a turtle with floral motifs on its shell, feet, and neck. The back contains a handwritten note, as well as the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."

"Graccie" letter

Letter written with red ink on lined notebook paper. The letter reads: "Stay strong. Gone but neve[r] forgotten. From Graccie [last name redacted]. We miss you." Illustrated with a small heart and Star of David.

May Those note

Handwritten note written in blue ink on lined notecard expressing the author's wish that all the victims of the October 27 attack find peace and that God will ease the suffering of those lose who lost loved ones.

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Nate Itskowitz bar mitzvah bencher

Cover of bencher (grace after meals booklet) from the bar mitzvah of Nate Itskowitz. Features illustration of a black and yellow sports jersey with the name Itskowitz, a Steelers logo modified to read "Nate" and the date "10-27-18," and Hebrew text listing the event and date.

George Washington University Hillel card (Washington D.C.) (16)

Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. Contents of card rendered illegible by water damage at the memorial site.