On 31 July, the Executive Committee of the Friends of the National Archives of Malta commemorated their 25th anniversary by holding a press conference in the chapel of the National Archives of Malta in Rabat, the same place where the very first event was held precisely a quarter of a century ago.
To mark this significant occasion the organisation decided to launch a book entitled Friends of the National Archives - The first 25 years: 2000-2025. This publication was compiled by Martin Hampton and edited by Prof. George Cassar and Dr Evelyn Pullicino. The book chronicles the first 25 years of the Friends of the National Archives of Malta (FNAM), an institution dedicated to supporting the National Archives of Malta. Founded in 2000 by a small group of university students and backed by a passionate lecturer, the Friends grew into a pivotal player in Malta's archival and cultural heritage landscape. The narrative is structured chronologically and documents FNAM's major initiatives, contributions, advocacy work, and the evolution of its leadership from a modest student initiative into a national institution deeply embedded in Malta's cultural, academic and administrative framework.
Over the last 25 years, the Friends have:
- Advocated for legislative reform;
- Funded digitisation and conservation efforts;
- Supported the National Archives' initiative to introduce academic courses at University level; and
- Bridged gaps between academia, government and civil society.
The book is a testament to civic initiative, demonstrating how a volunteer organisation can shape national memory and cultural infrastructure through sustained effort, strategic partnerships and unwavering commitment to heritage.
Following addresses by the Friend's president Dr Pullicino and the educational officer/editor Prof. Cassar, the event came to a close with a speech by the national archivist Dr Charles Farrugia who thanked the organisation for its sterling service over the years. He concluded by stressing once again the imminent need of a new state-of-the-art building for the National Archives in order to safeguard the national heritage of the Maltese people.