FOREWORD
In my foreword to the last Annual Report, I set out several targets. Topping the list was the launching of the MEMORJA portal and the fruition of the European Digital Treasures project, including the exhibitions. I also mentioned the project of a new national archives building, one of the electoral targets of the outgoing legislature that is crucial to our future. I look back with satisfaction as we achieved several targets – at least those that depended on our institution and personnel. The MEMORJA project reached an important milestone through the launching of the online portal. This made it possible for the public to start enjoying the wealth of data that has been gathered. It also gave new visibility to the project, widening the network of collaborators in terms of interviewees, donors of records and other stakeholders. We are currently analyzing the user interaction within this portal and training more interviewers who can keep up the momentum with the capturing of the people’s memories. The European Digital Treasures (EDT) project, that is supported under the Creative Europe programme also reached all its targets on time and within budget. During the last year, we developed three exhibitions that will span throughout 2022. This involved the planning, tendering, refurbishing of the chapel and anteroom, the writing of the six catalogues, and the assembly of the exhibitions. We were also directly or indirectly involved in the twenty‑seven actions of the projects. I can report our satisfaction with all actions, particularly the competition for youths where they interpret documents from the exhibitions. I congratulate the three Maltese participants who successfully represented Malta. I cannot say that the last year did not bring some disappointments. We had hoped to present to the public the concept design of the new national archives building prior to the end of the legislature. Due to a few setbacks, this did not materialize. However, the work that went into the internal planning and consultation is still an investment we will rely upon in the coming months. I would like to thank the National Archives of France for the technical support they have provided us and the Ministerial Committee that also did its best to try and see this project materialize.
Foreword
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