HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE OF EUROPEAN AND NORTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES IN THE FOCUS OF DIGITAL HUMANITIES PROJECTS

Abstract

The article examines the historical and cultural heritage of European and North American countries through the lens of digital humanities, focusing on the ways in which new technologies are reshaping the preservation, study, and public presentation of cultural memory. Special attention is given to projects that digitize cultural objects, archival collections, and historical sources, as well as to initiatives that employ virtual and augmented reality for academic research and teaching. By analyzing current practices, the study highlights how digital humanities foster new methodological frameworks that combine historical scholarship, cultural studies, and information technologies, thus creating innovative approaches to cultural heritage interpretation. These interdisciplinary projects enable the development of interactive models of monuments, artifacts, and historical environments, offering both researchers and the wider public immersive experiences that deepen understanding of the past.

The article argues that the integration of digital tools into the humanities contributes not only to safeguarding fragile historical documents and cultural sites but also to building sustainable strategies for their dissemination in academic, educational, and societal contexts. International cooperation is identified as a crucial factor for success, as many digital heritage projects are designed within cross-border research consortia and educational networks. Such collaboration facilitates the exchange of expertise, the creation of uni-fied standards for digitization and metadata management, and the broadening of open access to cultural resources. Moreover, it allows for the construction of a global digital space that connects institutions, researchers, and commu-nities across regions.

Ultimately, the research demonstrates that the digital humanities provide a transformative perspective on cultural heritage studies. By enabling both innovative scholarly inquiry and inclusive public engagement, they serve as a bridge between the historical past and the digital future, ensuring that European and North American heritage can be preserved, reinterpreted, and transmitted to future generations in dynamic and meaningful ways.