Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542644
10 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 16 JANUARY 2026 CULTURE New display brings to life Gozo's home front resilience during WWII A new exhibition showing every- day life in Gozo during the Sec- ond World War is now open in Victoria. Gozo at War: Stories from the Home Front displays diaries, photographs, and per- sonal items at the Gozo Archive, giving visitors a clear look at how people lived between 1940 and 1943. The exhibition was opened by Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri. Many of the items come from historian Maria Galea's private collection. Galea's family lived through the war, and she has spent years collecting letters, ration books, and other items from relatives and neighbours, many of which have never been seen by the public. Even though Gozo was far from the main fighting, the is- land still faced challenges. Res- idents sheltered from enemy aircraft, rationed limited sup- plies, and helped people from Malta during heavy bombing. The exhibition shows how Gozitans supported each other during these difficult times. Key items on display include sketches by a local nurse of life in makeshift shelters, original ration coupons still in their ledgers, and recorded memo- ries from older residents. There are also surveillance photo- graphs taken by Axis planes showing the island's coastline and villages during the war. The Gozo Model Enthusi- asts Group has added detailed models of wartime vehicles and equipment, showing the ma- chines that moved around the island. Visitors can also buy a guide with essays and colour images of the exhibits. Gozo at War: Stories from the Home Front is open until 7 February, Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 1.30pm and on Saturdays from 8.30am to 12.30pm. The archive is closed on Sundays. Gozo at War: Stories from the Home Front features rare diaries, photographs and personal artefacts at the Gozo Archive (Photos: Charles Spiteri)