Malta’s Joseph Schirò Elected Chair of Global Map Collectors’ Society

Malta’s Joseph Schirò Takes Helm of Global Map Collectors’ Society

In the heart of Valletta, at the bustling Republic Street, you’ll find Joseph Schirò’s world away from the city’s hustle. His tiny, treasure-filled office, tucked away in an 18th-century building, is a sanctuary for cartography enthusiasts. Here, Schirò, a soft-spoken Maltese historian, has just made history himself. He’s been appointed chair of the International Map Collectors’ Society (IMCoS), a global organisation that counts royalty and celebrities among its members.

From Malta to the World

Schirò’s journey to the top of this elite club began in Malta’s National Library, where he worked for over two decades. His passion for maps, ignited by the library’s vast collection, led him to join IMCoS in 2000. Two decades later, he’s the first Maltese, and one of the few non-Britons, to lead the society.

“It’s a great honour,” Schirò says, his voice echoing in the quiet office. “Malta’s history is intertwined with cartography. We’ve been at the crossroads of civilisations, our maps reflecting that. Now, I get to share our story with the world.”

Maps that Changed the World

IMCoS members collect maps that have shaped history. Schirò’s personal collection includes a 15th-century map of the Mediterranean, a testament to Malta’s strategic importance. His predecessor, HRH The Prince of Wales, owns a map that helped Britain win the American Revolution.

Under Schirò’s leadership, IMCoS will continue its mission to preserve and promote map collecting. The society hosts annual conferences, with the next one scheduled for Malta in 2023. It’s a chance for enthusiasts to gather, share knowledge, and celebrate their shared passion.

“Maps are more than just tools for navigation,” Schirò explains. “They’re historical documents, works of art, windows into the past. They tell us about the people who made them, their cultures, their dreams.”