Historical archaeology can provide new ways to understand the recent past through everyday objects, memories of living community members, and forgotten historical records. Archaeologists study architectural features—like house foundations and privy pits—and artifacts—like glass bottles and broken plates. Even as houses are remodeled and whole blocks are reorganized, stories of people and the places they lived can still be told from the objects they left behind. Using what might seem like garbage, archaeologists provide insights into what everyday life was like for past communities