In this episode of our archaeology podcast series, we discuss contract archaeologist, Chelsea Coates’ engrossing work on textiles found in the burned home of an African American woman in Springfield, Illinois’ 1908 race riot.

One of the most basic parts of being human is our ability to empathize with the emotions of others. In our discussion about the race riot of 1908—which ended with the death of two African American men, the destruction of scores of businesses and over 40 homes—Chelsea reflects on the archaeology of the riot and how all members of the community have dealt with this painful event over time. We also discuss what it’s like to handle the material remains of this moment and what scraps of cloth from a burned dresser and trunk tell us about the lives of community members most impacted by the riot.