Burial heritage museum plans in advanced stage

Plans by Din l-Art Helwa to open a Museum of Malta's Burial Heritage in rooms adjoining the Msida Bastion Garden of Rest are now at an advanced stage.

This is the last phase of the organisation's 12-year rehabilitation project of the historic memorial garden and the restoration of its splendid neo-classic monuments.

Situated in a spectacular setting within the Msida bastions, overlooking the Lazaretto and Marsamxetto Creek, the Garden of Rest, also known as Il-Gnien ghall-Mistrieh, is the name given to the early British burial ground that was in use between 1805 and 1957.

It is held in guardianship by DLH whose council and volunteers continue to work to make the garden and its monuments secure and accessible for public enjoyment.

This latest initiative carries an unusual theme: Malta's Burial Heritage. A team led by historian Alexander Welsh, after many years of research connected with the site, has been busy organising showcases, memorabilia and display boards in order to have the museum ready for launch in May.

It is hoped that Fiona Reynolds, the director general of the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland will open the museum during her planned visit to the island next month.

In a series of illustrated information panels, DLH has also traced the history of burials and burial places of the many cultures that lived and died in Malta, thus recording the evolution of Malta's inhabitants from the time of the Temple Builders right through to modern times.

Images on storyboards feature prominent burial sites such as the Hypogeum and St John's Cathedral.

Showcases will display memorabilia and publications focusing on the many personalities buried in the Msida Bastion Cemetery itself including Mikiel Anton Vassalli, the father of the Maltese language, who is reputed to have been buried within the grounds.

A small lecture room has been organised that will permit students and visitors to enjoy a projection of the interesting case study of the 12-year restoration project, of the history of the site and its contents.

The public is invited to contact Dr Welsh on 2168 9536 or DLH on 2122 0358 for any possible donations, ideas and suggestions. The Msida Bastion Garden of Rest is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and on the first Sunday of the month between 9.30 a.m. and 12 p.m.