As part of British Cultural Week, the General Directorate of Archives opened a documentary and photographic exhibition about the British officer Aubrey Herbert. The National Library of Albania and the British Embassy also supported the event. Herbert strongly defended Albania’s independence.

The exhibition shows original documents from the Albanian State Archive. It marks one hundred years since Herbert’s death. Therefore, it honors his role in Albania’s independence. It also highlights his impact on Albanian–British friendship and cultural identity.

The exhibition presents several documents.

– First, the Council of Ministers sent a decision to the Prefecture of Durrës. It recognized the Herbert family’s help in sheltering Kosovar emigrants. It also approved the name “Herbert” for a new village created in their honor.

– Next, the Sub-prefecture of Kavaja sent a notice to the Prefecture of Durrës. It asked the authorities to thank Countess Carnarvon for building a school in the village named Herbert.

– Then, the Municipality of Lushnja sent a telegram of condolences to the Herbert family after Lady Carnarvon’s death.

– In addition, the English newspaper The Times published a protest signed by several British figures, including Aubrey Herbert and Edith Durham. They opposed the partition of Albania among neighboring states.

– Moreover, the Albanian Committee in London held a meeting. Fan Noli, Mehmet Bey Konica, Filip Noga, and several British personalities, led by Herbert, took part. They discussed the survival of the Albanian nation and the need to prevent its division.

– Finally, the exhibition includes part of a speech by Aubrey Herbert in the House of Commons. He criticized the British Prime Minister’s decision to divide Albania. The speech appears in a French typescript.

The exhibition also highlights the Herbert family’s goodwill and charitable work in Albania during the 1920s. As a result, it shows their long-standing support for Albania. Acting Director General of the Archives Endrit Musaj attended the event, along with diplomats and history enthusiasts.

/a.c/