ONLINE HISTORY FANS are being invited to discover Ireland’s past in a new partnership between the National Library and the Google Cultural Institute.

The NLI yesterday became the first Irish cultural institution to feature on the Google project, which is essentially a giant virtual museum. A team of engineers from the internet giant create tools which allow archives, museums and other cultural partners host some of their treasures in a way that brings exhibitions to life for online audiences around the world.

Some teachers use the service to expose students to art and history archives but it can be used by any member of the public.

The NLI already has a digital catalogue of some of its collections but said the collaboration with Google will “make important cultural material available and accessible to everyone”.

Three NLI exhibitions are now online – Power and Privilege: the Big House in Ireland; Witness to War – photographs from WD Hogan, taken of events during the Irish War of Independence and Civil War; Dubliners: the photographs of JJ Clarke – taken between 1897 and 1904.

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