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NILES — As people go about their days, driving down the road or browsing the aisles of a supermarket, it can be rare that someone stops to think they are living through what will one day be considered history.

However, as someone who examines and educates others about the past, Christina Arseneau, director of the Niles History Center, recognizes the value of recording current events.

Now, she is working to ensure that 2020 events will be remembered. The museum has launched a form on its website for area residents to submit details of their experiences living in the area through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are living through a historic time,” Arseneau said. “We want to document people’s stories so that we have a record.”

The Niles History Center joins several other museums collecting stories across the country.

“Since we can’t see visitors, this gives us a way to collect history while staying safe,” she said.

The link on the museum’s website takes users to a form where they are encouraged to submit a record of their experiences. Prompts include ideas like: “Where and who are you staying with?,” “What do you miss the most during this time?,” “What do you look forward to once the stay at home order is lifted?,” and “Can you tell us of a local hero?”

Usually at this point in the year, students would be visiting local history centers on field trips. Right now, the museum is closed as a part of the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” orders from Michigan’s Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

“I have been hearing about a lot of stories from the community about how businesses are adapting, schools are using distance learning, grocery store workers are heroes,” Arseneau said. “I have been keeping track of these stories, and want to hear from others so I am looking for what others are hearing, too.”

Collecting the first-hand experiences of local residents is just the first step for the museum. Arseneau hopes to use the collected experiences in the future to remind visitors of how tough and creative people can be through historic moments.

“History teaches us that challenging times pass and things get better,” Arseneau said. “Lessons from this time will remind us of our resiliency and get through the next time we are faced with challenges.”

Those wishing to submit their experiences and thoughts are encouraged to do so at the museum’s website: nileshistorycenter.org.

The Niles History Museum has posted virtual field trips to their social media and website for students missing out on their visits to the museum this spring. The museum has also been posting digital content several times through the week to keep engaged with the community, sharing local history.