Better late than never

I have, rather inevitably, started my own site/blog and am really excited to start producing content on here! For those of you reading this and have little to no idea who I am, allow me to start this initial post with an introduction.

my nannu, c. 1956

My name is Niġel Klemenčič-Puglisevich, I’m a Maltese-Canadian (emerging) public archaeologist and museum professional. I’ve had a life long passion for history that I credit to my nannu, my Maltese grandfather, who is a master of storytelling with a near perfect memory. From a young age, he gifted me a love for recording the past and fighting for justice against colonialism. His encouragement has pushed me to become the first in my family to get a post-secondary education.

Since 2015, I’ve worked in a variety of museums, archives, and heritage organisations, and on various projects relating to archaeology and local history. In my experience, I’ve found a particular love for collections, research, exhibitions, accessibility, and anti-colonial work. More particularly, I enjoy working within archaeological collections and projects, analysing how colonialism has impacted senses of identity in respect to the past. I recently developed and lead a research project on this subject in respect to the birth of museums and archaeology in Malta, thanks to a CUROP award.

Niġel working in the lab at Gabii. Photo: Dr. Laura Banducci.

This summer was a particularly exciting one for me. I had the opportunity to join the Gabii Project for the second summer in a row, but this time working on the Legacy Data Project. This project is an ongoing collaborative effort with the Soprintendenza to study unpublished finds from Gabii excavations in the 90s. I was lucky enough to spend two months of the summer living in Frascati, Italy and working on this project alongside a small group of graduate students and one of my professors from my undergraduate degree, Dr. Laura Banducci. I had the chance to works hand-on with the finds I was anaylsing, dating, and drawing, and to work side-by-side many professionals in the field. It was an exceptional opportunity.

Beginning in July, I travelled to Malta and began to really hammer out my research on my research project, funded by CUROP. I frequented the Rabat regional library to read many key secondary sources only available in Malta. I also had the chance to conduct some research in the archives of the National Museum of Archaeology, for which I am extremely grateful. It was a wonderful chance to spend time in my family’s home country conducting research that has been so close to my heart. I’m also grateful to have had the chance to spend some time with friends and family whilst there, and on a short trip to the UK. Eager to share the future of my research on this site as it continues to evolve!

I now find myself in Baketigweyaang (London, Ontario—the territory of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Chonnonton), beginning my MA Public History at the University of Western Ontario. I’m more than excited for everything to come, including working with my programme mates and the opportunity to work on the Bath Springs Nevis Oral History Project.

More to come! In the meantime, feel free to follow or connect with me on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Academia.edu. You can also read more about me and projects I’ve worked on by visiting my about page.

About the Author

Niġel Klemenčič-Puglisevich

MA Public History student at the University of Western Ontario.

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