Malta’s Nostalgic Journey: ‘Stories Revisited’

Tucked away in the bustling heart of Valletta, on the corner of St. Lucy Street, stands a building that’s more than just a structure. It’s a time capsule, a silent witness to the laughter, tears, and dreams of generations of Maltese children. This is the building that housed the St. Lucy Street Primary School, and it’s the inspiration behind the latest exhibition at the National Museum of Archaeology, ‘Stories Revisited’.

Echoes of the Past

‘Stories Revisited’ is not just an exhibition; it’s a nostalgic journey back in time, a collective memoir of growing up in Malta. Curated by local artist and educator, Maria Attard, the exhibition is a labour of love, a tribute to the resilience and spirit of Maltese children through the decades.

Attard, who herself attended the St. Lucy Street Primary School in the 1970s, has transformed the museum into a walkthrough of Maltese childhood. Each room tells a story, from the humble ‘kitchen’ where children helped their mothers prepare ‘ħobż biż-Żejt’ to the ‘classroom’ filled with vintage desks and blackboards, complete with the inevitable chalk dust.

A Tale of Two Cities (and Villages)

‘Stories Revisited’ is not confined to Valletta. It’s a pan-Maltese narrative that weaves in and out of our towns and villages. There’s the ‘summer holidays’ room, with its fishing nets and ‘qadħa’ (fishing boats), a nod to the coastal towns like Marsaxlokk and Marsalforn. Then there’s the ‘feast’ room, adorned with traditional band clubs’ banners and ‘prickly pears’, a tribute to the vibrant village feasts that dot the Maltese calendar.

Attard has also included a ‘war time’ room, a somber reminder of the hardships faced by Maltese children during the Second World War. It’s a poignant reminder that childhood, while filled with joy and innocence, has not always been carefree.

Revisiting Stories, Revisiting Ourselves

‘Stories Revisited’ is more than just a trip down memory lane. It’s a reminder of our shared history, our collective identity. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling to connect us, to remind us that despite the passage of time and the changes in our society, the essence of growing up remains unchanged.

Attard hopes that the exhibition will spark conversations, inspire memories, and perhaps even encourage others to share their stories. “Our stories are our heritage,” she says, “and they deserve to be told, to be revisited.”

So, if you find yourself in Valletta, don’t just walk past the National Museum of Archaeology. Step inside, step back in time, and revisit the stories that shaped us. Because these are not just stories of the past. They are our stories, your stories, Malta’s stories.