The National Archives, filled with 12 kilometres of shelves, stacked with documents and photographs tracing the development of Malta since the beginning of the 19th century, is revamping its quarterly newsletter thanks to the support of HSBC Cares For Malta’s Heritage Fund.

With more than 1,000 volumes of Chief Secretary’s files, over 3,600 volumes of Customs Department arrivals and departure registers and Governors’ correspondence file, the Archives offer researchers a unique resource on Malta’s history.

The Archives also hold confidential information, such as the service records of each and every one of the approximate 50,000 Maltese who served in the British military when Malta was a colony.

Although these particular records can be seen by the servicemen themselves or with written consent from their next of kin, the rest of the population will have to wait until 75 years to gain access.

“The National Archives offer a fascinating insight in the way government has operated in Malta over the past two centuries.

This documentary evidence is incredibly important in helping us understand our country’s development over this period.

The preservation of a nation’s archives is something we should take an interest in and through its support for the new look newsletter, HSBC is helping to raise awareness and support for this agency,” said HSBC Mosta Area Director, Richard Mercieca, during the presentation of the sponsorship to National Archives curator, Charles J. Farrugia.

The Reading Room at Santo Spirito is open to the public daily from Monday to Friday between 8.15am and 4.15 pm (1 October – 15 June) and from 8.15am to 1pm (16 June to 30 September.

The National Archives are also open on Saturdays from 8.15 am to 1pm.