On 31 July, the Friends of the National Archives of Malta marked the 26th anniversary of its foundation. Following a particularly significant year celebrating its 25th anniversary through a wide-ranging programme of cultural and academic initiatives, the organisation can look back with satisfaction on 12 months of activity that continued to strengthen its mission to safeguard Malta's historical memory.

One of the most important achievements was undoubtedly the publication of the commemorative volume 25 for 25 - Heirlooms for Posterity, bringing together contributions by distinguished authors on 25 private collections preserved at the National Archives of Malta. The book was launched at San Anton Palace under the patronage of the President of Malta, H. E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, and remains one of the most significant legacies marking the organisation's first quarter of a century.

The anniversary year also saw the publication of the history of the organisation, Friends of the National Archives of Malta - The first 25 years. A symbolic re-enactment of the press conference that had originally announced the establishment of the Friends in 2000 was also organised, with former members of the executive committee invited to share in this special occasion.

The scholarly publication Arkivju 2025 appeared as a special edition dedicated to the 25th anniversary, highlighting the journey undertaken by the Friends over the years. During the same event, the annual Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Martin Hampton in recognition of his voluntary contribution.

Education remained another important priority. Through the WeArchives course, organised under the Adult Learning Support scheme, 21 participants received training in archival processes, document conservation and handling, research methodologies, and the importance of oral history in building collective memory. The response was extremely positive, demonstrating the growing public interest in archival work.

Throughout the year, a number of cultural lectures were also organised on photography and archives, with contributions from Daniel Cilia, Kevin Casha and Charles Azzopardi. These events further highlighted the important role photography plays within Malta's documentary heritage.

Initiatives aimed at bringing the public closer to the National Archives were also pursued. A book sale was held at the National Archives head office in Rabat, while the Friends' website underwent a complete redesign, giving it a more modern, accessible and informative appearance.

The committee also continued to strengthen its international links through a study visit to the Archivio di Stato in Ragusa, Sicily, while establishing contacts with the Friends of the National Archives in the United Kingdom. Meetings were also held with various Maltese cultural NGOs to explore possible partnerships and joint initiatives aimed at strengthening Malta's cultural and archival landscape.

The work of the Friends does not end with the anniversary celebrations. The programme has continued with lectures, the Annual General Meeting, a book fair and other activities, all aimed at increasing public awareness of the essential role archives play in preserving our collective memory.

...but the greatest challenge still lies ahead

After 26 years of voluntary work in support of the preservation of Malta's national memory, one challenge remains more pressing than all the others: the urgent need for a new, modern National Archives building designed to meet the requirements of the 21st century.

For many years - indeed, across several legislatures - the Friends of the National Archives has appealed to the authorities for Malta to have a state-of-the-art archival facility worthy of its documentary heritage. Over the years promises have been made, possible sites identified and expectations raised, yet the project has still not materialised.

This is not a question of convenience or prestige. It is a matter of national responsibility. The documents preserved in the National Archives serve as enduring witnesses to our national identity. Unless they are afforded the protection and environmental conditions they require, we risk losing irreplaceable parts of our collective memory.

When we speak about investing in Malta's future, we must remember that the future is built upon the past. Just as the country rightly invests in sport, culture and other areas that make us proud, it must also invest in safeguarding its documentary heritage. A nation's identity is itself an asset worthy of investment.

It had been hoped that the year marking the Friends' 25th anniversary would finally see a long-awaited promise become reality. Yet, after more than 13 years of promises, the time has surely come for words to be translated into action. If we continue to delay, there may come a time when material that can still be saved today will tomorrow be lost forever.

After 26 years of voluntary service, the Friends of the National Archives of Malta continues to look forward with enthusiasm, convinced that preserving documents and historical memory is not simply about protecting the past, but is also an investment in future generations.

The National Archives are not merely the memory of our past. They are the legacy we place in the hands of our children, our grandchildren and the generations that will follow. That legacy deserves a home worthy of it.