Relational Database Design for News, Events and Photographs

Relational Database Design for News, Events and Photographs

I have large amounts of historical data dating to 1965, to include
photographic collections, PDF files, various Microsoft documents, notes,
and journals. Material is being categorized and cross-referenced. I want
to develop a dynamic relational interactive database (proper term?) to
place these materials online for purposes of conducting ongoing research.
An example: Photographs (large collections) and various files might relate
to an event that took place in, say, 1980. I would then be able to access
all information related to that event, and also be able to filter that
relevant only to my search. Concerning allowing input by others, this
would be an option built-in for later consideration. My idea is to make
information readily available for anyone to research. Exactly how this can
best be accomplished is the problem I now face. I had considered FileMaker
Pro Advanced, but it seems there would be problems with system slowdown
when accessing large photographic files, and such files are a major
consideration for this project. So, I'm looking for software/database
suggestions. Perhaps a system already available that will allow changes
and used as a platform from which I can develop my project, one expected
to be long-term. I do not have expertise in php or MySQL, however, some of
this could be learned but I would need to cut the 'learning curve' due to
time limitations. I now use BlueHost for another website, and they have
both MySQL and PHP available. I don't know if this would be the way to go.
Your suggestions would certainty help to point me in the right approach.
Thanks.