Life at sea on show

Sights, sounds and smells of life at sea over the past 500 years could be experienced at the Malta Maritime Museum yesterday in a one-day exhibition aimed at getting people involved.

Moving away from the typical museum, where there are signs posted saying Don't Touch, this experience got people to do the opposite and really experience the exhibits, curator Liam Gauci said.

As a matchlock musket fired loudly, much to the delight of fascinated children who jumped in fright at the noise and the plume of white smoke, Mr Gauci said the weapon was an exact replica.

The actors involved were all enthusiasts and some had even prepared the costumes themselves, paying attention to the smallest details such as buttons and the material, which is difficult to come by nowadays, Mr Gauci added.

This was the third year that this type of exhibition had been held and this year it was organised in conjunction with the Aurora Trust, formed to advance the world's understanding of the ocean environment, particularly its marine cultural heritage hidden for thousands of years on the seafloor, communications and events executive Russell Muscat said.

The actors were stationed throughout the museum giving visitors hands-on lectures about their particular period costume and weaponry used at sea.

Small crowds gathered around them and listened intently to the fascinating everyday history that was life at sea.