Google's online Mandela collection goes live
March 27, 2012
Last year, internet giant Google started a project to digitally preserve the life and works of anti-apartheid hero and former South African president Nelson Mandela. Earlier this week Google, along with Mandela's archivists, announced the collection of videos, photos and assorted documents is now online for public viewing, according to The Associated Press.
"The Mandela Digital Archive Project shows how the internet can help preserve historical heritage and make it available to the world," Steve Crossan, director of the Google Cultural Institute, told the news source.
So far, more than 1,900 separate files are available and more are being added continually, News24 reports. Those who want to learn more about Nelson Mandela and the struggle against apartheid can check out this free resource online. They may also want to make calls to South Africa and talk about the former leader with friends and family members who may be able to provide first-hand accounts of this troubling time in the nation's history. While he is the most well-known anti-apartheid figurehead, Mandela was not the only person who fought for freedom, and family members may be able to share more information than is available on Google.