Dr. Colin Elder (BA History ‘14) graduated from Algoma University with a passion for history and a commitment to making a difference in the field. He earned a Master of Arts in History from Dalhousie University, supported by a Graduate Studies Scholarship, a CUPE Teaching Assistantship, and the Patricia Keene Research Grant. He later completed a PhD in History at the University of Kent, receiving a 50th Anniversary International PhD Scholarship, a Graduate Teaching Assistantship, and a Christine and Ian Bolt Research Grant.
Dr. Elder credits his time at Algoma U for sparking his interest in the history of the Upper Great Lakes, a focus that became the foundation for his advanced studies. His experience at Algoma U included working as an Archive Assistant and Research Assistant, leading the History Society as President, and studying abroad in the United Kingdom. The university’s emphasis on cross-cultural education shaped his approach to studying the history of Indigenous populations in the region.
Now an accomplished archaeologist, Dr. Elder finds his work most rewarding when it involves preserving heritage assets and engaging with local communities. One of his most notable projects, The Big Dig 2.0 in Rochdale, UK, brought together over 1,000 volunteers, residents, and students to uncover the town’s industrial past. Led by Dr. Elder, the project unearthed 17th- and 18th-century cobbled surfaces, a Georgian water-management system, and the foundations of the Victorian-era Charles Kershaw Central Corn Mill. The dig also provided training for local residents, equipping them with skills to embark on careers in archaeology.
To current students and recent graduates interested in archaeology, Dr. Elder advises exploring ways to use history to engage with local communities. He believes that involving communities in all stages of research not only enhances the work but also amplifies its impact.
Dr. Elder’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of education and the importance of connecting the past with the present to create meaningful and lasting change.
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