HSBC Malta Foundation supports collaborative symposium linking Maltese and Sicilian Archival Communities

The HSBC Malta Foundation is proud to support Inter Insulas: Archives as Bridges Between Malta and Sicily, an upcoming symposium organised by the Notarial Archives Foundation which will bring together archival professionals from Malta and Sicily. Scheduled for 15 October 2025 at the University of Malta’s Valletta Campus, the full-day symposium represents the first formal collaboration of its kind between the Notarial Registers Archive in Valletta and the Archivio di Stato di Palermo.

Thanks to the Foundation’s sponsorship, a multi-disciplinary team from Palermo – including archivist Dr Francesca di Pasquale, communications specialist Dr Floriana Giallombardo, and conservator Dr Sophie Bonetti – will travel to Malta to share their knowledge and experience. They will join other professionals who, through their work or research, have explored connections between Malta and Sicily, offering a programme of talks and discussions on archival science, conservation, community engagement, and the cultural and historical ties between the two islands.

“The HSBC Malta Foundation has long supported the preservation and promotion of Malta’s documentary heritage,” said Geoffrey Fichte, Chairperson of the HSBC Malta Foundation. “We are delighted to once again support the Notarial Archives Foundation in its mission to safeguard and share the rich historical records in its care. This symposium marks an important step in building cross-border partnerships that can elevate archival standards on both sides of the channel.”

Dr Joan Abela, President of the Notarial Archives Foundation, expressed gratitude for the continued support. “This symposium would not be possible without the HSBC Malta Foundation, whose ongoing commitment and support has been instrumental in aiding our mission. We are thrilled to welcome our colleagues from Palermo, alongside other professionals with a shared interest in the heritage of Malta and Sicily, to provide a platform for learning and collaboration that is open to a wide audience in the heritage sector.”

The event is expected to welcome over 150 attendees and will be open to the public.

For more information and to book, visit this registration form.