We are honoured to celebrate 50 years of Anthropology at McMaster University and embrace this opportunity to reflect on our growth as a community and a discipline!

While anthropologists were already active on campus before the official establishment of the department in 1974, we have witnessed remarkable transformations over the past 50 years: advanced researchers contributing locally and internationally, students engaging in innovative fieldwork, breakthroughs in laboratory techniques, and the many staff, students, and faculty who have been part of our incredible journey in Chester New Hall.

Our celebrations will occur throughout 2024, with the main event scheduled for September 20-21, 2024. We hope you can all join us at McMaster to reconnect with old friends and perhaps make new ones.

Stay tuned to this page for more details about the big event!

50th Anniversary Virtual Book

Led by the Chair of the Department of Anthropology, Andy Roddick, we have put together a virtual yearbook that unites our community in celebration. Join our alumni, students, faculty, staff, and retirees by contributing to the Anthropology 50th Anniversary Virtual Book.

In anthropological terms, the virtual yearbook serves as a repository for our ‘memory work’ and highlights our lived experiences. It will be shared with alumni as well as current undergraduate and graduate community members, capturing stories from past years and showcasing the friendships and intellectual exchange nurtured here.

We can’t wait to read your stories on your personalized page in the digital yearbook. After creating your page, you can explore others’ pages and fully enjoy the book’s contents.

Email us your connection to the Department, and we’ll send you a link to join. You can also email Laura Escalante from the alumni engagement office for help joining the virtual book or with any questions.

Help Us Build a Legacy: Contribute to the Anthropology Bursary

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Department of Anthropology at McMaster University, we are reaching out to our esteemed faculty, staff, retirees, and alumni with a special request that can significantly influence the future of aspiring anthropologists.

In 1996, Ann Herring led a dedicated group of faculty, alumni, and department friends to establish the Anthropology Bursary, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to nurturing the growth of budding anthropologists. The Bursary has been crucial in supporting students by alleviating financial challenges and empowering them to to pursue their passion for unraveling the complexities of societies, cultures, and our world.

As we approach our 50th anniversary, we’re thrilled to reflect on a legacy of groundbreaking research, academic excellence, and a vibrant community that has shaped our department. We encourage you to join us and be part of this enduring legacy. Your support can make a profound difference in the lives of anthropology students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence.

Whether you are a faculty member who has witnessed the growth of our department firsthand, a retiree who cherishes the memories created within these walls, or an alum who carries the torch of McMaster’s anthropological spirit, your contribution will help shape the future of anthropology education.

Your support, no matter the size, will directly contribute to the Anthropology Bursary, providing crucial resources for students in need. To make your contribution or learn more, please contact Dana Rushak, Senior Development Officer at rushakd@mcmaster.ca or 519-761-8766.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of anthropology education at McMaster University. Together, we can build a legacy of academic excellence that will support the next 50 years and beyond.