Volunteering is important for our communities. Within the Office of the Notary to Government, in Triq Mikiel Anton Vassalli, Valletta, there are a number of volunteers who dedicate some of their time to this Office.

These volunteers are people of patience and love for the intangible paper heritage within which the history of the Maltese islands is contained. The history of Malta and everything that shapes us is very close to their hearts. Encouraged by this sense of national pride, they dedicate some of their time to assist the Main Notarial Archives in the digitisation of old notarial volumes which consist of numerous contracts and documents that give context to the history of Malta and Gozo. One encounters not only property contracts but also content relating to commissions for artistic works, explanations of recipes, legends, and national services, amongst other information.

The first engagement of volunteers at the Office of the Notary to Government took place in 2021, when Malta – together with the rest of the world – was facing a global pandemic. However, right from the start it was evident that this new volunteering initiative was going to be a success story, as it has been to this day. This is being stated in view of the interest that many people have shown in the past years and the positive experiences they have gained through their work at the Main Notarial Archives.

The volunteers help in the various projects of the Office of the Notary to Government particularly in the digitisation of the volumes housed in the Main Notarial Archive. Through this volunteering initiative, the Office of the Notary to Government will continue to give new life to its Main Archives by making it increasingly accessible online by electronic means. Above all, this digitisation will also help to better preserve the volumes in the Main Archive, many of them containing documents dating back to the 15th Century!

Those who wish to be part of this experience and join other people who share the same passion for documentary heritage, and can offer some of their time – in the morning, afternoon or even in the evening - can contact us on 22479800 or send an email to [email protected].