FOUNDATION OF MALTA

The Archaic Archives is a private collection of publications, documents, photos, and artefacts relating to Malta's Pan-European history and culture, situated in the town of Mosta.
The Archaic Archives Foundation was set up as a voluntary organisation in 2005 with the aim of propagating knowledge and awareness through the use of such material. There are several private collections in Malta and around the world, however most remain inaccessible to the public. 

This website was founded by the AAFM in 2008 as a virtual museum and novel means for sharing the extensive array of items accumulated since the Archive's establishment in 1990.

The decision to invest in an online virtual display rather than a static museum was predominantly based on accessibility. While actual museums remain interesting venues, one can only enjoy the experience by visiting them in person.

Static displays can be overwhelming, especially in the case of large museums with huge halls packed with showcases and material. Walking through the collections on show is fun but can be challenging to children, elderly people and people with special needs.

 More often than not, the extent and variety of items on display goes beyond the attention span of casual visitors, and cannot be fully appreciated unless one pays several visits to the same museum. And even then, it is easy to overlook or miss seeing all there is to enjoy.

From another point of view, the infrastructure and logistics involved in setting up a static museum are considerable. Such a venture involves massive capital expenditure for the acquisition of a suitable premises, internal set-up, employment of full-time staff, promotion and more.

All these considerations led the AAFM to come up with a practical solution by creating this portal. A virtual museum necessitates no travelling or expenses and may be accessed from anywhere in the world via the internet at one's own leisure and convenience.

Anyone wishing to view the items held within this private collection can now do so at no cost from the comfort of one's home. 

All the items featured on our site are illustrated through the use of clear images accompanied by an interesting narrative pertaining to their origins, background and use. The information provided is meticulously researched and presented in a format that is easy to follow by everyone.

It is said that there is a story behind every artefact. 
Our mission is to tell that story. The scope of our virtual museum is to serve as a source of knowledge and point of reference for students, educators, researchers, collectors, history buffs, culture vultures, or indeed anyone wishing to learn more about Malta and its rich historical and cultural identity.

Aside of this venture, the AAFM maintains an active role in supplying original items and documents for use in cinematographic or televised documentaries and docudramas. We also offer free consultation and technical support to local media companies to ensure historically correct productions. 

The AAFM also maintains close ties with other cultural organisations and historical re-enactment groups, through the provision of material for use in exhibitions and presentations.  

We are always seeking to acquire more material for us to preserve for posterity and share by means of our virtual museum. Any contributions toward this project are much appreciated and most welcome. We consider everything as interesting, particularly 'drawer-debris' such as old lottery tickets, holy pictures, postage stamps and envelopes, photos, old adverts, cigarette and matchboxes, lighters, keychains, buttons...the list in endless!

It is an unfortunate reality that in our day and age, many items of interest are often thrown out upon the passing away of relatives in order to make space or in view of selling the property. 

In other instances, many are those who tend to accumulate stuff in garages, basements, box-rooms etc, until it becomes too much or circumstances arise leading to everything being thrown out in bulk.

In either case, if you find yourself in any of the above situations, or have inherited anything which has no value to you, but remain reluctant to throw such items away, please contact us on our 

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