A History of The World In 100 Objects

Isn't it always the case that. In times of rapid acceleration, man takes a reassuring look back into his past.

Never more appropriately timed than in the midst of the current digital revolution, relentlessly redrawing the world we live in. The BBC delivers "The History of The World In 100 Objects". I don't know about you but I'm fascinated at the prospect of following this on Radio 4.

The BBC and the British Museum have joined forces to bring a series running throughout 2010, narrating the global history told through the British Museum's world collection.

A History of The World In 100 Objects, written and narrated by the British Museum Director, Neil MacGregor and produced by Radio 4.

The 15-minute programmes are planned to be broadcast at 9.45am from Monday to Friday, repeated at 7.45pm. Each programme focuses on one object from the Museum's collection and will include additional voices from a range of contributors including Bob Geldof, Wole Soyinka, Grayson Perry, Madhur Jaffrey, Seamus Heaney and many others.

Each week of programmes will be tied to a particular theme, such as "after the ice age" or "meeting the gods". And objects will be selected to cover the broadest possible chronological and geographical period, telling a history of the world from two million years ago to the present day.

The series explores the key developments in human history, from ancient cultures and more recent events, some objects will be familiar, others equally fascinating but less well known. And tells of parallel developments that took place throughout our global history, which highlight often unexpected connections and universal themes. Any given week in the series will give listeners a sense of the cultural achievements across the world during a particular time period. The 100 programmes will be broadcast in three tranches throughout 2010.

Expanding to include a 13-part series on CBBC. Activities across the UK with contributions from 350 museums across the UK, all telling a history of the world from their local perspective. Many more are expected to join up as the project gains momentum through 2010, with these partnerships reflected across the BBC local websites. It's planned that information and programmes will also be available on mobile phones. CBBC and BBC Schools are looking to offer a range of activities, lesson plans and history trails for both children and teachers. Omnibus editions broadcasted on the BBC World Service and holding all of these elements together is an interactive digital proposition found at A History Of The World.

The website is expected to offer a combination of opportunities to listen, watch and take part in "A History of the World", with the Radio 4 programmes available to listen to or download, forever. Through video and a 'zoom in' facility, users will be able to examine photos of the 100 objects in intricate detail. In an initiative service, listeners and viewers will also be encouraged to offer pictures of objects they own and explain how these objects can help tell a history of the world. With ambitions to create a unique digital museum online of objects that tell history through the eyes of museums and audiences across the UK.

It sounds like the BBC have big plans for this series and I expect to start seeing a lot more coverage running throughout the BBC. I've also noticed it's aimed at involving the nation at large. I sincerely hope they're successful in this, with social media playing it's part. As I can think of a better way in achieving this, than in encouraging social media to take some ownership in it. Helping the BBC to spread the word and getting us all involved.

Last but not least. I also can't help but wonder if by the end of the year. The curators of the series haven't found themselves adding something that wasn't there at the beginning of it.