Google Brings History to Life With Online Exhibitions

By Emily Price

Now you can learn about 42 important historical events from the last century on your home computer through the Google Cultural Institute.

The product of a partnership between Google and a number of museums and cultural foundations, the online exhibit combines letters, first-hand video testimonials, manuscripts and more into a multimedia historical journey.

“The historical collections are the latest chapter in the work of the Google Cultural Institute, following the Art Project, World Wonders and the Nelson Mandela archives, “ Mark Yoshitake, product Manager for the Google Cultural Institute said in a blog post announcing the exhibitions. “We’re working closely with museums, foundations and other archives around the world to make more cultural and historical material accessible online and by doing so preserve it for future generations.”

Wednesday’s release includes a look back at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, D-Day, and the Holocaust, amongst others.

Much like other archives brought to the web by Google, you can zoom in on photos in the exhibition to check out details, and search through the archives for something specific such as a particular person or date.

Each exhibition also includes a narrative that links the archive material together, such as the story of Steve Biko. The 15-year-old had a political awakening in the midst of the Apartheid movement.

Learn how to navigate the archives in the video below.

Let us know about your favorite exhibition included in the project in the comments.