Awards

Award-Winning Community Archaeology

Elder Archaeology, CIC prides itself on its community-focused approach, putting volunteers, trainees, and local participants at the heart of every project. By designing innovative programmes that combine hands-on archaeology, heritage education, and public engagement, the team creates meaningful opportunities for people to develop skills, contribute to research, and connect with their local history. This pioneering model has been formally recognised for its excellence, earning awards for community engagement and innovation, and establishing Elder Archaeology as a leader in socially impactful heritage work.

Association for Industrial Archaeology

Best Community Engagement Programme (2024)

This award was given to Dr Colin Elder for his work on Big Dig Rochdale 2.0, recognising the project’s exceptional integration of professional archaeology with community participation. The programme trained local volunteers and schoolchildren in excavation and heritage skills, while uncovering significant historic features. It celebrated innovative approaches to engaging the public and fostering a hands-on understanding of industrial and local history.

University of Salford

Celebration of Innovation Award, Community Engagement Event (Established Experts Category) (2024)

Dr Elder received this award for his leadership on Big Dig Rochdale 2.0, highlighting excellence in designing a community-focused archaeological programme. The project combined training, employment, and public participation, creating opportunities for local people to gain practical heritage skills. It recognised Elder’s ability to merge research, education, and public engagement into an impactful and award-winning initiative.

Council For British Archaeology & March Charitable Trust

Marsh Community Archaeology Awards 2025: Community Archaeologist of the Year- Finalist.

Dr Colin Elder, founder of Elder Archaeology, CIC, was shortlisted as a finalist for the 2025 Marsh Community Archaeology Awards’ Community Archaeologist of the Year, recognising his outstanding contribution to community archaeology across the UK. This nomination celebrates his commitment to making archaeology inclusive, breaking down barriers to participation, and inspiring communities to engage with their past through practical involvement and outreach.