The House of Austrian History (hdgö) has launched 'Sammlung Online,' a digital portal providing comprehensive access to its collection of over 5,000 objects. This initiative goes beyond basic descriptions, offering detailed historical context and analytical insights for each item, aiming to make Austrian history accessible and reliable.
The House of Austrian History (hdgö) has launched its 'Sammlung Online' portal, offering the public unprecedented digital access to its collection, which has been built since 2017. This new resource aims to set new standards by providing not just descriptions, but comprehensive historical context and analysis for each object. The project, supported by the federal funding program 'Kulturerbe digital,' has digitized approximately half of the hdgö's collection, resulting in over 5,000 objects with extensive photographic documentation and detailed scientific descriptions. These entries offer new perspectives on history by focusing on the object's context, symbolism, and usage, making abstract events tangible and processes understandable.
According to hdgö Director Monika Sommer, 'Sammlung Online' focuses on contextualizing museum objects to make Austrian history scientifically accessible and ensure its long-term preservation. The portal serves as a factual source of information, countering distorted historical representations online. The collection includes objects from prominent figures as well as everyday people, emphasizing how individuals, even those not in the public eye, have shaped history. The objects are often accompanied by interviews with those who donated them, providing personal perspectives. Project leader Mara Metzmacher highlights that the portal makes historical developments visible through individual perspectives and personal agency. While this launch is a significant step, the hdgö plans to expand the online collection as resources allow, publishing object photos under a Creative Commons license (CC BY-NC 4.0) for non-commercial use. Strict ethical criteria are applied to sensitive content, ensuring it is carefully contextualized for nuanced engagement.