Introduction

The objects and functions of the National Archives are defined in the National Archives Act (no. IV of 1990) and are primarily focused on collecting, preserving and organising public records and making them available for study and research purposes.

The main repository of the National Archives is at the old Santo Spirito Hospital, Rabat. The "Santo Spirito" archives comprise the nucleus of the former Palace Archives, Valletta, augmented by records brought over from various Government departments.
The Palace Archives grew out of the original colonial collection preserved in the Office of the Chief Secretary / Lieutenant Governor. They were moved to their present location at Santo Spirito in 1989.

The documents preserved at Santo Spirito date back to the early days of British rule. They are arranged in groups which include over a thousand volumes of Chief Secretary's files; over 3,600 volumes of Customs Department arrivals and departure registers; Governors' correspondence file; and various other smaller groups. Among these are Letters Patent, Education Department files, Public Works files, passport applications, Medical and Health Department files and Audit Office files.
A collection of film and video documentaries related to Malta's history is also being set up.

At present, research facilities are available at the main premises of the Archives in Rabat and the Banca Giuratale in Mdina. The archives at Mdina are opened on request. A collection of film and video documentaries related to Malta's history is also being set up.