David Waldron

Dr David Waldron is a Senior Lecturer in History at Federation University Australia, affiliated with the Institute of Education, Arts and Community. His research focuses on folklore, community heritage, and the intersection of supernatural beliefs with historical trauma.

• PhD in Romanticism and Pagan Revival (Federation University, 2002)
• Graduate Certificate of Education (Federation University, 2005)
• Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours, Federation University, 1999)
• Bachelor of Arts in International Relations/Philosophy (Deakin University, 1998)

Waldron’s research specializes in urban legends, ghost hoaxing, and neo-Pagan movements. He examines how folklore memorializes community trauma and constructs shared mythology, particularly through supernatural narratives in historic sites. His work also addresses active learning models in historical education, utilizing role-play and artefacts.

His publications span books, book chapters, and refereed articles, with a focus on Victorian and Australian folklore. Recent articles analyze emergency remote teaching practices, colonial-era ghost hoaxing, and the cultural psychology of witchcraft. Waldron actively supervises postgraduate students and collaborates on digital heritage projects like the Avenue of Honour Audio Tours and Ballarat Up and Under VR experiences.