Big Bear City, CA, February 16, 2014 – The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved a new partnership this month between the County Museum and the Google Cultural Institute. Through their Art Project, the Institute will film and photograph various exhibits at the Museum, covering the cultural and natural heritage of the San Bernardino Mountains and other areas. The materials will include a diorama of the birds in the Big Bear area, and a “First People” exhibit honoring the various native American tribes of our region.
The endeavor is designed to digitally preserve cultural information for future generations and make it globally accessible, and according to Museum Director Robert McKernan, it’s only fitting his institution should be included. He says, “Our collections are of worldwide significance, and this partnership will help spread the word….about the educational and research opportunities offered through our museum.”
Third District Supervisor James Ramos added that the online platform will be a great tool for educating local youth about the rich history of San Bernardino County.
Google has already partnered with hundreds of museums, cultural institutions, and archives from 40 countries to host the world’s cultural treasures online. Partner museums can upload high quality images from their collections and offer virtual tours of museum exhibits.
The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands, and will soon join the Van Gogh Museum, the London National Gallery and over 300 other collections online in the Google Art Project.
[Photo courtesy San Bernardino County Museum.]
