Volunteer Programme
Help preserve Malta's musical heritage for future generations
The Project
A comprehensive analysis of the condition of all Benigno Zerafa's manuscripts will be conducted, resulting in the creation of an online, searchable, and highly detailed catalogue of his work. A full digitisation process will be undertaken to establish a secure digital archive, including a comparison with previously digitised images to ensure all files are of the highest quality. To protect the physical manuscripts, all covers will be replaced with appropriate protective materials.
Who Can Apply
- Musicians
- Art history students
- Archive and library studies students
- Researchers
- Anyone with a strong interest in Maltese cultural heritage
Basic music knowledge is preferred, particularly the ability to read or understand musical manuscripts.
What You Gain
- Practical archival experience with unique national heritage material
- Hands-on work with original music manuscripts
- Exposure to large-scale cultural and national projects
- Experience relevant to careers in archives, musicology, cultural heritage, and research
What You'll Do
- Assist with organising, sorting, and labelling archival materials related to Don Benigno Zerafa, including original music manuscripts dating back over 250 years
- Gain first-hand experience in the handling and preservation of original historical manuscripts, following professional archival standards
- Support the cataloguing and data entry of archival materials into the digital catalogue, specifically within the Benigno Zerafa Music Collection
- Participate in the Benigno Zerafa Digitisation Project, assisting with scanning and digitising manuscripts and documents
- Help maintain accurate records and inventories, ensuring all metadata is correctly entered into the online archival system
- Provide basic assistance to archivists, staff, and researchers in locating materials, particularly during events held as part of the Benigno Zerafa commemorative year
- Work within an active, open-to-researchers archive, gaining experience in managing collections while multiple projects are ongoing
- Contribute to special projects: organising national and cultural events, assisting with exhibitions and outreach, and supporting research for a scholarly book on Benigno Zerafa
- Follow confidentiality, security, and preservation guidelines at all times
“I have been volunteering at Mdina Cathedral Archives for two years. I am currently working on the Mro Carmelo Callus collection. This experience enhanced my archival skills and deepened my appreciation of Malta’s musical and ecclesiastical heritage.”
Dr Maria Grazia Grech MD.
Volunteer, Mdina Cathedral Archives
Confirmed Tasks
Review Manuscripts
Retrieve and review manuscripts to confirm whether they have already been digitised.
Verify & Update
Verify and update manuscript information including reference number, works, voices, instruments, and relevant notes (condition, composer annotations, date, dedication).
Digitisation
Assist with digitisation by photographing or scanning manuscripts when required.
File Labelling
Correctly label digital files and folders according to archival standards.
Preservation
Replace manuscript jackets with prepared archival covers, including updating the main protective jacket.
Join the Team
If you are interested in volunteering with the Mdina Cathedral Archives on the Benigno Zerafa Collection, please fill in the form below.
archives@metropolitanchapter.com