​FNAM
Friends of the National Archives of Malta
A glimpse into our work
Special thanks to Mr Martin Hampton for compiling the list of contributions
Our Work and Events
The committee of the Friends of the National Archives do not only organise monthly meetings but other events throughout the year where members are invited to collaborate and voice their opinions.
​
Annual events include the Annual General Meetings (normally held in the first half of the year) and the participation in the Malta Book Festival
2024
Support in securing a photographic collection belonging to the late Emmanuel Busuttil
​
Lecture by Comm Prof George Cassar, Educational Officer and Editor of our journal about the Comitato Permanente Universitario
2023
Funding the purchase of records created by the Comitato Permanente Universitario
​
Visit to the Gozo's National Archives Office
​
Commencement of the prize "Volunteer of the Year" during the FNAM's Annual General Meeting
​
Meeting with the Malta Libraries and Information Association (MaLia)
Funding for the purchase of a new scanner for use in the National Audio Visual Institute (NAVI)
2022
Facilitating a bursary for Ms Claire Bugeja, an intern with Hill Museum and Manuscript Library in creating metadata on the Consolato del Mare Collection
Facilitating a sponsorship of three years for the Malta Bus Archive
2021
Sponsorship for purchase of a rich photographic collection belonging to late Emmanuele Sciortino.
2020
Purchase of ephemera and documents related to genealogical research and historical photos
​
Acquisition of a vast photographic collection belonging to late sports photo-journalist Karmenu Fava (in photo)
2019
Continued promotion of the National Archives mission through participation in a number of events: Medieval Mdina, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and Malta Book Festival.
2018
Reissuing of Emmanuele Cilia songs (1930-1931) on both vinyl and CD versions
2017
Joint stand with the National Archives in the Heritage and History Book Fair that was organised and hosted by “Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna” in Notre Dame Gate, Vittoriosa
​
Proposal to the Minister of Education for new metal shelves to accommodate the ever-growing collection at the Head Office
2016
Sponsorship for participation of a conservator in a workshop held at the Vatican Library.
​
Sponsorship of the digitisation of the folk music collection acquired in 2012
2015
Purchase of 24 photos of prominent personalities for the National Portrait Gallery
​
Invitation by VisMedNet to give a presentation on the sustainability of NGOs during a YYC (Yes You Can) International Meeting
2014
Donation of a number of large format acid free archival storage boxes.
​
Donation of antique ex-voto silver artefacts and early 20th century Monte di Pieta’ silver prices ordinances.
​
Donation of surplus funds originating from the 2013 International Conference on Theory and Practice of Digital Libraries (TPDL), organised by the University of Malta.
​
Donation of entire proceeds from talks held at Day Centres around Malta.
​
Sponsorship of full expenses for an overseas conservator course in UK.
​
Sponsorship covering the costs of holding an Archives Cafe’ for curators & conservators
2013
Donation of specific tools including an antique press for the conservation department.
​
Donation of tape recorder & reels containing recorded meetings by the Federation of Malta Industries and the Chamber of Commerce in the 1960s.
2012
Sponsorship of original 1960s architect plans, designs, drawings and related documents pertaining to the Television House building in Gwardamangia
​
The proceeds of the November Book Fair funded the digitisation project of maps and plans kept at the National Archives.
​
Sponsorship for purchase of a unique collection of 200 reels containing Maltese folk music (għana).
2011
Sponsorship for digitisation, scanning and restoration of a collection of nine volumes known as Cabrei previously kept at the ex-Public Works Department.
Sponsorship of specialised digitisation equipment for the in-house publishing department.
Coordinate a second-hand book fair at the National Archives during the annual Archives Awareness Week.
2010
Donation of an early 20th-century voice recording machine and gramophone.
Invitation by Clerk of the House to offer advice regarding the setting up of an exhibition commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Maltese Parliament.
​
Publication of the first issue of the annual journal Arkivju for the 10th Anniversary of the foundation.
2009
Active participation in the 41st International Conference of the Round Table on Archives (CITRA) which was hosted by the National Archives of Malta
2008
Donation of a set of foam book rests for the Reading Room
Additional funding of boards for the National Memory Project exhibition at the Banca Giuratale, Mdina
Digitisation of the colonial Blue Books dated between 1821 and 1938
2007
Setting up a first aid preservation unit in the Conservation Department
Conservation works on Royal Warrant seals and parchments
Sponsorship of an EU project application under the eContentplus programme with regards to APEnet (the Archives Portal Europe Network).
2006
Purchase of showcases, counter and exhibition boards for the Banca Giuratale, Mdina
Private papers belonging to Anthony Valletta, who specialised in the study of butterflies and moths
Purchase of a planetary scanner for the National Archives
Donations sponsoring the new uniforms of the archives staff
2005
A New Archives Law finally passed through Parliament after pressure by the Friends of the National Archives
Setting up a Diploma Course in Archives and Records Management and a Degree Course in Library, Archives and Information Studies
Substantial three-year sponsorship from Vodafone Foundation to catalogue microfilm and digitise hundreds of fragile documents
2004
Sponsorship of exhibition boards for the launch of the National Memory Project
Microfilming/digitisation of Departmental Registers (CSG 81) between 1851-1948
Digitisation of original documentation covering the period 1800-1825
A set of eight postcards entitled “Political Landmarks” was published depicting the salient political events that took place in Malta between 1919 and 2004
Donation of custom-made archival acid-free polypropylene covers for photographs
Donation of several Melitensia publications for use by researchers in the Reference Library of the Head Office
2003
Sponsorship campaign for the microfilming project of historical 19th Century documents
Thanks to Friends of the National Archives' insistence, the new Archives Bill was presented to Parliament
2002
Launch of second CD covering government dispatches between 1800-1860
Organisation of an international conference “Converging Frontiers: Regional Co-operation in the Archives Sector”. President of the FNAM Hella Jean Bartolo also facilitated an agreement with the Genealogical Society of Utah to carry out a digitisation project for Maltese passport applications between 1880 and 1940.
Bequest of private documents belonging to Dr Henry Hirst, former Director of Agriculture in Malta during the Second World War.
Donation of several books from the personal collection belonging to Ms. Ann Williams, past lecturer in the Department of History at the University of Malta.
2001
Publication of guidebook “Preserving Archival Records”
Launch of the first CD covering passport applications starting from 1880
Sponsorship of participation with an information stand at the Malta Day in London
Series of meetings with interested parties regarding the draft of a new Archives Bill which was presented to the Minister of Education
Official letter to the Prime Minister expressing concern about the future of the state documents created before the privatisation process of state entities.
Coordination with the National Archives to organise a National Exhibition with the theme “Old Roots – New Horizons: the History of Maltese Migration.”
Meetings with Past Presidents of the Republic
Snippets from past stands at the MBF
The Malta Book Festival, organised by the National Book Council, is an annual appointment for FNAM to advocate our mission, renew and encourage new memberships.
