How more than 1,000 artifacts were found in a dumpster, then returned to Mexico

NPR | By Christopher Harland-Dunaway,

Mallory Yu, Juana Summers

Published August 21, 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT

More than 1,000 pre-Hispanic artifacts are being repatriated to Mexico from the United States thanks to Jeremy Pilver, a licensed archeologist in Connecticut, and his high school students.

Christopher Harland-Dunaway

Mallory Yu

Mallory Yu is an associate producer for All Things Considered.

See stories by Mallory Yu

Juana Summers

Juana Summers is a host of NPR's All Things Considered.

See stories by Juana Summers

WRVO is at a critical moment.

Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.

Support WRVO now