The Commission was first established in 1952 with the purpose of helping emigrants leaving the country during the post-World War 2 era. All preparations and departures were carefully documented and kept on file. Now, these documents have been made available at the Commission’s library and digital archives. The idea for this historic presentation was first conceived in 2000, and following approval from the Convention of Leaders of Associations of Maltese Abroad and of Maltese Origin, it was finally inaugurated on December 4th 2012. The project is sponsored by the Vodafone Malta Foundation and APS Bank.

Valletta at night, Malta by Joshua Zader

Malta’s Migration Phenomenon

Emigration has played a significant role in the history of Malta; the process served as a safety measure against a population explosion on the small Mediterranean island following World War 2, and it’s been revealed that between 1948 and 1967, a stunning 30% of the nation’s population emigrated. According to the Emigration Commission’s history, approximately 28% of people who left Malta went to Australia, 10.5% went to the United Kingdom and 6.5% moved to Canada. The United States was also a popular destination. Through the assisted passage scheme provided by the Emigration Commission, these immigrants received help with the costs of their journey, and many were taught to speak and read English. Emigration rates dropped again in the 1970’s.

History and Heritage

The aim of this newly inaugurated museum is to preserve this part of Maltese history, showing a record of how the emigration phenomenon developed, and what Maltese emigrants contributed to their newly adopted countries. It is also hoped that Maltese communities around the world will come to understand this part of their history and culture a bit better, and that their sense of connection to their Maltese roots will grow.

Hagar Qim Neolithic Temple; Qendri, Malta by John Haslam

Modern-Day Malta

Today, Malta’s population density is one of the highest in the EU, standing at 1.282 per square kilometre. Local Maltese people make up the majority of the population, with the most prevalent minority group being British people who have retired to the sunny island nation.

Crowds of students, school groups and researchers will be visiting the Emigration Commission’s archives in the coming months; this close look at Malta’s history should also prove fascinating to those residents who immigrated to Malta from countries around the world.

Nicky Warner is a London-based blogger who occasionally travels to Malta; these journeys have taught her a great deal about Malta companies and a keen interest in the history of Malta.

The post Malta’s History of Emigration in the Spotlight appeared first on Europe Explored.

Normally, Roman archaeological sites can be classified under the rather boring description of “a series of small walls”.  It’s true that kids have remarkable imaginations but some ruins defy anything more imaginative than jumping on to them and then off again.  For no real good reason this is normally strictly prohibited on archaeological sites.  Manchester’s Roman Fort has, however, been so mangled by the placing of one of Britain’s foremost industrial cities on the top of it, that a different and very refreshing approach has been taken to its ancient built heritage. They’ve rebuilt sections, including a full scale gatehouse.  Even if the kid’s imaginations don’t need much stoking, yours might, and Mamucium is one Roman ruin that is well worth a visit.

Manchester Cathedral / Pimlico Badger

Cotton Buds

Like any city Manchester’s history is encapsulated in its architecture.  Manchester and industry are inextricably linked and the city’s earliest industrial origins were in the mid to late 16th century.  The cotton trade helped turn the medieval town into one of the most important cities in the British Isles.  Humphrey Chetham, a cotton trader and manufacturer in the 16th century is responsible for helping to establish the trade and the Chetham’s Library was built by with some of the proceeds.  Like all good northern industrialists he wasn’t afraid to indulge in a little philanthropy, and the resulting library is something of a surprise amidst Manchester’s mostly modern architecture.

Monuments, Massacres and Modernity

There’s not much in the way of monuments specifically dedicated to the lower orders of this land who built the country’s wealth and empire.  However, if there was ever a fitting candidate for the role it would be found in Manchester’s industrial architecture of the 19th century.  This history is not all dark satanic mills, but includes such ‘monuments’ as the Free Trade Hall.  Built on the site of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre, the Hall was constructed by public donation to celebrate the repeal of the Corn Laws.  The massacre was designed to discourage the plebs from demanding the vote and the Laws were designed to keep them hungry.  The Free Trade Hall was badly damaged during the Manchester Blitz but the façade remains intact; if there was ever a site that encapsulates the struggle and resilience of the bottom 95 per cent of the population, it’s probably this one, and Manchester is the city to host it.

Radical Capitalism

Despite being the home of many a radical, left wing movement, Manchester has remained a city of industry, innovation and originality.  It has, in its time, managed to combine rampant socialism and rampant capitalism at one and the same time.  Today, it continues to exist as a vibrant modern city of culture, politics and innovation.  Steadfastly refusing to be outdone by newcomers to the idea of architectural innovation (London) and is not afraid to express itself in modern design. A visit to the Imperial War Museum, Urbis or the Beetham Tower, will give your Shards and Gherkins a run for their money.  When it comes to school trips Manchester style, the city’s built heritage offers an insight into everything from Roman Britain to the best of modern architecture.  History, industry and revolutions of various kinds have all made their mark on Manchester’s identity.

Carlo Rossi is a freelance writer based in Manchester and blogs about parenting, entertainment and travel covering everything from LEGOLAND Discovery Center school trips to contemporary architecture tours. When he’s not online or cycling around town, you can’t get him out of the kitchen for his love of food.

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