A Brief history of MUHS The MUHS was founded in 1966 by Andrew P.Vella and a group of University Students who's aims were to break free from the institutional study of History and spread their knowledge to the public. They're research led to the first publication of Storja in 1978, a journal with various history articles touching a variety of Maltese History periods, from Pre-History to Medieval, the Knights and of course the British occupation. Nonetheless the History Department and the Society had to stop working soon after this first publication, which we must note was a great success, due to an Educaitonal Act passed by the Government at the time, limiting the study of History at tertiary level only to those persuing a B.Educ Degree. The Faculty of Arts was closed down and many left the island. Once Prof. Henry Frendo, reimpatriated in 1988, together with the collaboration of his students reinstated the society. Mr. Charles Dalli (current Medieval professor at the UOM) was one of the closest collaborators and he was later joined by Simon Merieca (also a professor at the UOM). This led to a continuation of Storja publishing. From its rebirth in 1988, the MUHS has been active in the promotion of History amongst BA and BA.Hons students especially, though not limiting to them, even though at times it passed through some lengthy breaks. The Current Committee is working wholeheartidly to rennovate the society, modernize its approach to students and revive interest in our Heritage with various activities all through the year. Our Founder Prof. Andrew P. Vella
Professor Andrew Paul Vella was born at Vittoriosa on the 10th February 1918. After finishing his Primary and Secondary schooling, he decided to enroll as a Dominican Friar at the age of 15 years. This led to his eventual consecration to priesthood on the 20th October 1940. He was also chosen by the British Council to attend a specialization course at the prestigious Oxford University from were he obtained his B.A Lit in Medieval History. His thesis in fact was much acclaimed amongst scholars, so much so, that it was even published in the Parisian Collection “Bibligotèque Thomiste” Vol. XXXVIII. Later in 1956, Professor Vella was also given a scholarship by UNESCO to attend the Columbia University, New York, from were he graduated with a Doctorate in Philosophy summa cum laude.
Back to Malta, Vella became a Professor of Theology in Saint Thomas College at Rabat until in 1966, he became the Head of the History Department in the University of Malta.
Professor Vella will be remembered in Malta and abroad for his fond dedication to Historical studies a passion that he transpired with his highly motivated students during his teaching years. His contribution to theological and historical printing was wide and popular acclaimed. This led the General of the Order and the Council of Studies of the Dominican Order to bestow to him the title of Grand Master in S. Theology in 1971.
Professor Andrew Vella died on the 5th February 1988. | The Committee After the AGM held last on Friday 11th April 2008, the current Committee was formed abiding by the Statue of the MUHS and recognized by the Senate of the University of Malta. Committee Members: President : Mr. Mark Anthony Portelli Vice - President : Prof. Henry Frendo Secretary : Mr. Mevrick Spiteri PRO : Ms. Samantha Abela Social Activities : Ms. Charlene De Brincat Treasurer : Mr. Chris Busutil Leaver, International Office Coordinator : Mr. Ivan Vassallo Other members appointed to help during various activities are: Mr. Daniel Meilaq Ms. Diane Cammilleri Mr. Charles Dalli Mr. Giorgio Peresso Mr. Mark Cammilleri Past Committee Presidents |