The Burlington County Historical Society is hoping to help future generations learn about the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

Empty small town streets, “closed for business” signs and social distancing are just a few of the things that have become normal during the pandemic. But will future generations understand why?

“Normally I feel like we’re always one step behind, so I will be like documenting it after it already happened. So, the importance of us doing this now is that we’re getting a really fresh perspective,” says Burlington County Historical Society executive director Lisa Fox-Pfeiffer.

The Historical Society is launching a project “Remembering COVID-19,” to start documenting the pandemic. Residents will provide their firsthand accounts.

“It’s a series of questions just asking them about their experience. Have you had any silver linings? What types of things that you’ve seen that you’ve never ever thought you’d see in New Jersey? A couple of questions about societal norms and how that’s affecting them,” says Fox-Pfeiffer.

The organization is also looking for pictures, videos or anything else that shows what daily life was like during the crisis. Children and teenagers are also being asked to participate.

“We want to know about their experiences being out of school. How that’s working out. What’s happening with that and what did they miss. What do they really want to do when they get back,” she says.

Fox-Pfeiffer says that previous generations have left some testament about what their life was like. And she hopes to provide the same type of experiences.

“This is our chance to kind of pay it forward to the community of future researchers…We’re going to collect it so later people will have it,” she says.

Residents can visit the Historical Society’s website to fill out the form and submit their experiences.