Pictured above: HSBC Malta CEO presenting the €100,000 donation to Dr Joan Abela, in the presence of Parliamentary Secretary Dr Owen Bonnici and HSBC Malta Foundation Deputy Chairperson Sarah Watkinson

The HSBC Malta Foundation has strengthened its support towards the Notarial Archives Resources Council with a €100,000 donation which will assist in the restoration and organisation of a large collection of historical documents, ensuring they are professionally conserved for future generations.

HSBC Malta CEO Mark Watkinson presented the €100,000 donation to Dr Joan Abela, founding member of the Notarial Archives Resources Council and active volunteer, in the presence of Parliamentary Secretary for Justice Dr Owen Bonnici.

The Notarial Archives is home to over 20,000 registers containing historical documents that date back to the 15th century. These manuscripts offer a unique primary source of insights into Malta’s cultural past.

HSBC Malta CEO Mark Watkinson said: “HSBC Malta Foundation has been the main organisation providing major support to the Notarial Archives Resources Council in their drive to preserve this important part of Maltese heritage for the last eight years. The preservation and promotion of this vital primary source of insight is of the utmost importance for shedding light on Maltese culture and identity.”

“This financial support is in addition to dedicated voluntary work of more than 150 HSBC employees who are given an extra day of leave throughout the year in order to volunteer their time and energy to carry our projects at the archives in Valletta,” said Mr Watkinson.

Dr Owen Bonnici said: “The Notarial Archives Resources Council has many excellent projects underway to enhance and protect this wealth of historical information. It is therefore most promising to see an organisation like HSBC Malta, through its sustainability programme, contributing in so many ways towards a highly professional and accessible archival system. This is an exemplary commitment to Malta’s heritage for the benefit of all today and more so for the future. The Government is committed to support in various ways the holistic rehabilitation of the Notarial Archives so that it stands as a monument of national pride.”

The Archives’ Digitisation Project, which is currently underway thanks also to the assistance from HSBC Malta employees, will ensure the long-term preservation of the documents while significantly improving public access to a wealth of notarial information. This is part of the Notarial Archives Resources Council’s drive to turn this important archive into a leading centre for both Maltese and Mediterranean historical study that is fully accessible to both the local and international research community.