Onde vi si troverà l’istoria di tutto quanto sarà : some reflections on history and archives

Abstract

Archives are a point of departure, a source of tried-and-tested solutions, and a tool for change. That is how I view them as a historian and as a citizen. It is a definition premised on the belief that while historians and archivists can resemble the most complementary couples at a ball, performing a minuet with the utmost elegance and precision, at the end of the dance, each would return to their respective seat. Historians and archivists are different professionals who perform at their best when they acknowledge their distinctive complementarity. Archives, in the words of Victor Mallia-Milanes: ‘… offer a life-long education if taken seriously and if one is adequately equipped to exploit them professionally. … Once on the Archives’ still and silent site, the outside world, with its stress and tension, disappears. … The enthralling silence of the written word, recalling sweet and sour memories hitherto undreamt of, is stunningly vociferous, with a deafening crescendo. Every moment at the Archives is full with the excitement and intensity of the new – concealed novelties are constantly being revealed. I work ferociously here. Every moment is a potent, magic moment. And quite expensive, too, I should add. Here the vast unknown starts becoming gradually familiar’.