Doors Open Lambton County 2024

10035 Museum Road, Grand Bend

Discover Lambton County’s historical charm though artifacts, stories and interactive experiences at the Lambton Heritage Museum! Established in 1978, there’s plenty to explore. Uncover the community’s history in the Lambton Gallery, get a glimpse of how they store artifacts in the Collections Centre, and take a step back in time through the five historical buildings and two exhibition halls. Behind the scenes tours will take place at 11, 12, 1:30 and 2:30.

8333 Glendale Drive, Lambton Shores

Forest Glen Herb Farm, now in its 42nd year, grows herbs for both culinary and fragrance purposes — as well as everlasting flowers, garlic, edible flowers and antique roses. The farm shop offers products grown on-site. Their barns are over 160 years old, with hand-hewn beams. A drying area for herbs is in the barn.

12 Main Street North, Forest
Built in 1912, the Forest Carnegie Library, designed by W.A. Mahoney and constructed by Charles McCordic, features grand columns and symmetrical design, reminiscent of Roman Palladian architecture. Now a commercial hub, it offers diverse experiences from educational workshops to social gatherings. Enjoy light refreshment and classical music while listening to the rich history as told by curator Lisa Reaume.

8 Main Street North, Forest
This museum is located in a former bakery, founded in the early 1880s by the Rumford family, who operated the bakery for its first 60 years. The Forest-Lambton Museum Society moved into the building in 2009 and opened this site as a museum to display everything from musical instruments to Indigenous artifacts.

24 King Street West, Forest
Step into the historical Kineto Theatre — one of the world’s oldest, continuously operating movie theatres. This architectural gem has been a cinematic treasure since the Rumford family transformed it in 1917. Run by the Kiwanis Club since 1977, the theatre features a special exhibit showcasing its exciting history. Come and explore this unique site during Doors Open.

8680 Rock Glen Road, Arkona
Visit this fascinating site and dive into 15,000-plus years of Indigenous history. Or explore fossils from the Devonian period. Established in 1972, this museum moved to its current location inside the Rock Glen Conservation Area in 1986. Many of the fossils on display were found in the Arkona area. Don’t miss the special micro-fossil exhibit, available exclusively for Doors Open!

220 Michigan Avenue, Point Edward

Open 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Discover the rich history of Point Edward at the Point Edward Library during Doors Open! A special display of the local historical collection will be on view, offering a glimpse into the village’s past through unique artifacts and stories. Don’t miss this chance to connect with the heritage of Point Edward and learn about the community’s journey through time.

2618 Hamilton Road, Bright’s Grove

Open 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
If walls could talk, the Bright’s Grove Library would tell tales of rebellion, nobility, and even a kidnapping! Once known as Faethorne House, this historic building has a storied past, from its origins as a gentrified country home in 1855 to its current role as the Bright’s Grove Library and Gallery in the Grove. During Doors Open, take a step back in time and explore the house where history was made, including the infamous 1934 kidnapping of brewery magnate John Labatt. Nestled near Lake Huron, this library offers more than just books—it’s a living piece of Bright’s Grove’s history.

1016 Colborne Road, Sarnia
Lakeview Cemetery is a 70 acre cemetery offering indoor niches, outdoor cremation plots and niches as well as traditional full burial plots. Our historic Mausoleum contains full burial crypts and the indoor niches. The Mausoleum is the first of its kind in the Sarnia area with its unique construction in Greek Revival Style.

147 Lochiel Street, Sarnia
The original structure on this site, known as the Thom Building, was built by local photographer John Strathearn Thom to accommodate his photography studio. This purpose-built gallery, which opened in 2012, includes equipment that uses strict environmental controls to display art. Today, the collection comprises primarily Canadian historical and contemporary works of both local and national significance. 

Vault tours taking place every hour starting at 10:15.

124 Christina Street North, Sarnia
Step into history at the Sarnia Library during Doors Open! Explore the “Lambton 175” exhibit, developed by Lambton County Archives. Located on the second floor this exhibit showcases 175 years of local history through captivating stories and artifacts . From 1:30 – 2:30, enjoy a free live performance by “Sisters of Choice,” a trio whose harmonies will transport you through time with hits from the 40s to the 70s. Their energy, synchronized choreography, and costume changes will keep you entertained and engaged. Don’t miss this unique blend of music, history, and fun!

293 Stuart Street, Sarnia
St. Joseph Church celebrated its first mass on December 24, 1928. This building retains its rich history through marble altars, communion rails, statues and stained-glass windows. An honour roll marks the service of Second World War parishioners. The church also has a tradition of welcoming immigrant families. It serves many international students today, as well as helping those in need.

787 Broadway Street, Wyoming
The Lambton County Archives is the centre for local genealogical and historical research. Explore rare documents and photographs from the collection storage vault related to the oil industry in Lambton. Meet with Archives staff for a behind the scenes tour of the vault and processing room.

4281 Discovery Line, Petrolia
Visit Petrolia Discovery and take a guided tour through the only 1860s operating oil field in the world that’s open to the public. Don’t miss the Fitzgerald Rig. In continuous service since 1903, this mechanical marvel still serves as a power source to oil wells connected by a jerker line. 

384 Garfield Avenue, Petrolia

Immerse yourself in the history of Petrolia in this charming house. Built in 1880, it was originally owned by James McCort, whose company partnered to form the Canadian Oil Company. Now on its fourth set of caretakers, the house is a beautiful example of original Victorian architecture. Enjoy a guided tour, light refreshments and a display on James McCort himself.

4020 Petrolia Line, Petrolia
The Petrolia Library stands as a remarkable example of early railway architecture, featuring the eclectic Queen Anne style that was popular at the time of its construction in 1903. Originally built by the Grand Trunk Railway as the community’s second station, this historic building replaced an earlier depot from the 1860s. During Doors Open, explore the interpretation of this historic train station and its significant role in the development of Petrolia’s oil industry. This is a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history that shaped the town.

4189 Petrolia Line, Petrolia
The Olde Post Office, completed in 1894, served as Petrolia’s post office and offices for Inland Revenue and Customs. Designed by architect Thomas Fuller, the building reflects Petrolia’s oil boom affluence. It was decommissioned in 1964 and designated for its cultural and architectural significance. Now owned by Lambton County Developmental Services, it contains affordable housing and a gift/ice cream shop.

419 King Street, Petrolia
Nemo Hall, built ca.1878 by John J.Kerr, a prominent builder, lumber mill owner and oil man. The home is an excellent example of the Second Empire Style, and the only remaining building of this architectural type in Petrolia. The original property was three acres in size, and included the house, a coach house, an orchard, exotic gardens, and five oil wells. Fuel from the wells heated the home, making it highly energy efficient for its time

447 Greenfield Street, Petrolia
Jacob Englehart, one of Imperial Oil’s founding fathers, built this home for his wife as a wedding present. Following her death, Englehart had the home converted into a hospital, which opened in 1911. Visitors can view the ornate wood carvings of the board room (now the Corey Room), which once served as Englehart’s study and library. Entry from Dufferin Avenue. Visit the CEEH board room with its ornate wood carvings, part of original Englehart home.

5317 Nauvoo Road, Watford

Open 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Explore the historical charm of the Watford Library, a proud example of a Carnegie Library, built in 1912 with a $6,000 grant from the Carnegie Foundation. Despite modern renovations, the library retains its original architectural elegance. Visit during Doors Open to experience a piece of living history in Warwick Township.

515 Ontario Street, Watford
This old firehall, constructed in 1885, is now a unique community museum that features displays of historical and heritage artifacts that educate and inform residents and visitors about the Warwick community. The most popular items on display include the Maxmobile (a car handmade by David Maxwell) and Watford’s first fire truck (Engine No. 1), which was built in 1936.

3403 Wanstead Road, Enniskillen
Built in 1899, this church was constructed on land donated by a local farmer from the Shiloh community. It has a grand, open interior with plaster walls and incredible acoustics, perfect for music and singing. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to visit this church as it will be closing in October (when the congregation will move to Inwood United).

3537 Forest Road, Enniskillen
Discover the unique collection of Ray and Marjorie Lloyd, housed in a barn on their farm property. See antique farm equipment, home goods, pop culture items and more! The Lloyds will be on site to answer questions and chat about their collection.

3211 Inwood Road, Inwood
Inwood United Church is nestled in the center of the small village of Inwood surrounded by a farming community. The church has a working bell tower located at the entrance which patrons can ring on Sunday morning as they enter for worship. There is a large open sanctuary with an adjoining kitchen and Sunday school room.

2740 Buttonwood Drive, Glencoe

Explore the Sydenham River Nature Reserve, a stunning 117-hectare property protecting Carolinian forest, wetlands, and 66 rare or at-risk species. This former agricultural land is being restored to tallgrass prairie, with plans for it to naturally evolve into Carolinian forest. Join us for a tree-planting event where we'll plant 1,000 native trees and shrubs to support this transformation.

4288 Old Walnut Road, Watford
This century farmhouse was built by William MacDonald, the great-grandfather of present owner David Ferguson. The home maintains its original slate roof, five stained-glass windows, mahogany/walnut staircase/living room entrance and majestic outdoor two-level wrap-around porch. Together with his wife Gabrielle, the Fergusons will be happy to provide description and history. Today, the house is a popular bed-and-breakfast establishment.

2423 Kelly Road, Oil Springs
The Oil Museum of Canada preserves the site of the first commercial oil well in North America. Visitors from around the world come to learn the story of Canada’s Oil Pioneers – a unique and captivating era of history! The ten acre site features four historic buildings with reconstructed spring-pole and three-pole derricks dominating the property.

6213 Mill Street, Florence
Explore the rich history of the Sydenham Antique Club at the Florence Community Centre, where standing displays of vintage agricultural equipment bring the past to life. Learn about the origins of the annual Grand Ole Power Days and discover the club’s dedication to preserving rural heritage for future generations.

7134 Aughrim Line, Dawn-Euphemia
St. John’s in the Woods, Aughrim is a church community which began in 1846 on the current site. This building was built in 1898 and renovated in 1982. It has a cemetery around the church building with beautiful gravestones marking the resting place of many of our ancestors and those who helped build the original foundations for the people who have kept this faith community together for 178 years.

940 Holt Line, Wilkesport
This floodway — Ontario’s largest flood diversion project — was completed in 1984 to prevent flooding in Wallaceburg. It includes an earth-filled embankment, a concrete control structure with two sluice gates, and a channel to the St. Clair River. During Doors Open, come and visit the dam. An adjoining trail also allows you to view prime rare blue ash trees.

94 Moore Line, Mooretown
Explore the life of the past in our heritage community, which includes a one-room schoolhouse, historic church, blacksmith shop, log cabin, Victorian cottage, railroad station, fire hall, caboose and more. Discover the work of the land in the agricultural implement building and the lakes with a marine exhibit room and 1890 range light. Tour around the historic village and experience the atmosphere of the bygone days of a rural community situated on an international waterway.

3470 St. Clair Parkway, Sombra
The former home of John Edgar Bury features 10 rooms, including a double parlour and servant quarters, arranged so that visitors feel like they have been transported to the late 19th-century. Highlights include a disc phonograph once owned by Thomas Edison, Doherty stove, church lamp, seven mourning wreaths, period furniture, vintage toys, and hundreds of everyday objects.

421 French Line, Port Lambton

The historic S.S. #15 Sombra, a one-room brick schoolhouse located at the corner of French Line and Highway 40, has stood for 126 years. Originally known as the 1889 Thorneyhurst School House, it was upgraded from a granary and restored as a historical site in 2002. Today, the building serves as a meeting place for various events, preserving its legacy in the community.