Stqarrija bil-Malti Agħfas Hawn / Press Release in Maltese Click Here
An exhibition highlighting underwater archaeologist Honor Frost’s connection to Malta has been launched at the National Museum of Archaeology. Besides honouring Frost’s considerable legacy, the exhibition aims to offer a snapshot of Frost’s work in Malta through illustrations, artefacts and even some of her diving equipment.
Honor Frost was a pioneer of underwater archaeology and amongst the first to combine the discipline of archaeology with diving. Her connection to Malta began in 1967, when she travelled to the island to map and excavate a 3rd century AD Roman shipwreck located in Mellieħa Bay. From a local perspective, this excavation marks the beginning of scientific underwater excavation and publication in Malta.
Frost’s bond with Malta was sustained along the years, so much so that she even purchased a house in Senglea and considered it as her Mediterranean base. A lifelong promotor of underwater archaeology, Honor Frost helped found the Council for Nautical Archaeology, sat on the Council for the Society for Nautical Research, and played a crucial role in establishing the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology in 1972.
She left the bulk of her estate to set up a foundation that would continue to promote marine and maritime archaeology, with a particular focus on the eastern Mediterranean. The Honor Frost Foundation was established in 2011 and has since supported countless projects across the Mediterranean, including the excavation of the Phoenician Shipwreck off Xlendi Bay, Gozo.
Through Frost’s collaboration with local heritage authorities, her notes, drawings and recovered artefacts from the Mellieħa Bay excavation are today archived at the National Museum of Archaeology.
Commenting during the launch of the exhibition, Heritage Malta’s Chief Executive Officer, Noel Zammit, said that since its humble and sporadic beginnings in the late 1950s, underwater archaeology has grown into a key part of the local heritage set-up. Those humble beginnings are greatly indebted to Honor Frost, an inspiration to her peers and to all those who read about her discoveries and achievements.
Alison Cathie, Chairperson of the Honor Frost Foundation, was present for the launch.
The exhibition, entitled Honor Frost’s Malta: A pioneer in the centre of the Mediterranean, will run until 15th January 2023. Entrance is free of charge. The exhibition launch was planned to coincide with the second edition of the Under the Mediterranean conference, being held in Malta between the 2nd and the 6th of November. The conference is organised by University of Malta, in collaboration with the Honor Frost Foundation and Heritage Malta.
