Lambton 175

From its establishment as a municipal corporation in 1849 to the present day, Lambton County has flourished, shaped by the contributions of generations past and present. In 2024, The Corporation of the County of Lambton marks its 175th Anniversary. Together, let's celebrate the achievements, resilience, and spirit that define Lambton County. In 2024, we invite you to join us in commemorating this significant milestone. As we honor our rich history, we also look to the future with excitement and optimism, and embrace the promise of the next 175 years

History of Lambton County

While the story of this region, its habitation, settlement and development, stretches back thousands of years, the year 2024 will mark an important milestone in the more recent history of local government. Originally part of the District of Hesse, later known as the Western District, Lambton County's governance evolved alongside the shifting boundaries of early colonial settlements. Treaty #29 in 1827, negotiated under the Huron Tract, and Treaty #7 in 1796, which encompassed lands linked with Sombra Township, are pivotal moments in Lambton's history. These agreements, alongside Treaty #21 in 1819 for the Long Woods Tract, laid the groundwork for settlement and industrial development in the Western District, shaping Lambton County as we know it today. The Municipal Corporations Act (also known as the Baldwin Act) of 1849 marked a pivotal shift, replacing the district system with a two-tier municipal government, leading to Lambton's incorporation as a county in 1852.

The county's governance structure comprised cities, towns, villages, and townships, each with its own council, reflecting the diverse needs of its inhabitants. Over time, Lambton County flourished, boasting vibrant villages, towns, and rural townships. While the landscape remained largely unchanged for decades, the late 1990s saw municipal amalgamations, reshaping the county's administrative framework.

A woodcut engraving of the St. Clair River depicting early settlement. Includes boats, early housing, wooden bridges, treescapes, etc.

Looking to the present and future, Lambton County embraces innovation and sustainability. From its agricultural roots to its leadership in research and the bio-economy, the region continues to evolve. Collaborative efforts between the county and its municipalities drive economic growth while prioritizing environmental stewardship and enhancing residents' quality of life.

In 2024, County Council has identified a number of celebration activities to invite the community to join us in commemorating this significant milestone and envisioning the next chapter in Lambton's journey. See the list below of 175th Anniversary Celebrations.

Heritage Champions

Photo of 27 adults in council chambers.

In February of 2024, the County of Lambton put out a call to the community asking residents to nominate people they felt were worthy of recognition for their invaluable contributions to the preservation and promotion of the rich heritage of Lambton County. In response, 27 individuals and organizations from each of the eleven municipalities within Lambton County were nominated by their respective communities, neighbours and colleagues and recognized at a special ceremony during Lambton County Council on June 5, 2024.

“These champions have been identified by their communities for demonstrating remarkable commitment to the conservation, restoration, and promotion of our local heritage and identity,” said Lambton County Warden Kevin Marriott. “This initiative celebrates the invaluable contributions of those who have worked tirelessly to safeguard Lambton County's heritage for generations to come.”

Heritage Champions

Alan Campbell, for his dedicated support of the local Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) branch, representing families from across Lambton County.
Arkona Lions Club, for their work in preserving and interpreting an impressive collection of Devonian-Era fossils, minerals and artifacts found in the local area at the Arkona Lions Museum and Information Centre.
Bill Dokter Masonry, for their most recent project involving the restoration of a historic commercial building at 599 Broadway Street in Wyoming.
Charlie Fairbank, for his work in drawing attention to the oil history of Enniskillen Township for over 50 years, engaging government, industry associations, media, educational institutions and the community in preserving and celebrating Lambton’s proud oil heritage.
George Smith (Posthumous), an avid historian and local history author, for his past work with the Lambton County Historical Society and heritage advocacy.
Greg Stott, for his work in promoting the history of Lambton County as an author and historian.

Helen Danby, for her work in researching and recording the history of local Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (IODE) chapters, and as volunteer Archivist for IODE Ontario.
Heritage St. Clair Committee, for their work in preserving and promoting the storied history of St. Clair Township, including heritage advocacy, programs and events, advisory support to the municipality, and community interpretive signage.
John Rochon, for his work in local historical research and promoting awareness of the history of Lambton County.
Kip Cuthbert, for his work in research and writing about the stories of Sarnia and Lambton County for over 50 years.
Kiwanis Club of Forest, for their work in rehabilitating and expanding the 107-year-old Kineto Theatre, Forest in a manner that celebrates the rich history of the theatre in the community.
Krystyna Stalmach, for her promotion of Polish-Canadian heritage and the experiences of Polish immigrants through research, tours and exhibitions.
Lambton Agricultural Hall of Fame, for their work in honouring the individuals, organizations and businesses that have had a positive influence on agriculture and the rural community within Lambton County.
Lambton County Developmental Services, for their work on the restoration and conversion of the former post office in downtown Petrolia to create accessible, affordable housing and street front shops.
Lambton Shores Phragmites Community Group, for their leadership as a volunteer group working with organizations to preserve the natural heritage of Lambton County through the removal and control of invasive phragmites.
Liz Welsh, for her work in preserving and celebrating the history of the Town of Petrolia through the Petrolia Heritage Advisory Committee, Lambton County Historical Society, and Petrolia Discovery.
Marg Scott, for her work in preserving the history of the Village of Point Edward, and making research and historical artifacts available at the Point Edward Library.
Marjorie Cumming, for her work in promoting the history of Brooke-Alvinston and her work with the Lambton County Historical Society.
Mary and Paul Janes, for volunteering their time and talents to preserving the heritage of Warwick Township through research, the scanning of old photos, contributions to historical publications, and the development of video projects celebrating local history.
Pat McGee, for her work in advocating for the oil history of Oil Springs, and working in collaboration with the County of Lambton and the Oil Museum of Canada National Historic Site to raise awareness of the importance of Lambton’s oil heritage.
Plympton-Wyoming Historical Society, for their dedication to the preservation of the history of Plympton-Wyoming through the museum site and a variety of community events and programs.
Ray Lloyd, for his work with the Lambton County Historical Society and his passionate collecting to preserve the history of Lambton County.

Shelley Lucier-Lord, for her past and current work with the Sombra Museum, supporting the museum’s collections, exhibits, events and programs.
Shirley Perriam, for her many years of work in preserving and promoting the heritage of Arkona and area.
Steve Loxton, for his local heritage advocacy efforts, and for his work on the preservation of the Cull Drain Bridge.
Sydenham Antique Club, for their work in celebrating rural heritage in Dawn-Euphemia through the annual ‘Grand Ole Power Days’ event.

Photo Gallery: Heritage Champions will appear here on the public site.

175th Anniversary Celebrations

175th Anniversary Ceremony

The Lambton County Council meeting on June 5, 2024, will serve as the kickoff for our anniversary celebrations. We will reflect on our rich heritage and the progress we have made over the past 175 years and recognize Heritage Champions who have made significant contributions to preserving and promoting our County’s heritage.

Tree Planting

As part of the County of Lambton's 175 Anniversary celebrations this year, the County of Lambton partnered with the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) and Enbridge Fueling Futures Program to initiate a multi-phase tree planting project at the Oil Museum of Canada National Historic Site property located in Oil Springs. The goal of the project is to naturalize a significant portion of the property through the development of a mini-forest, incorporating a future walking trail for museum interpretation and experience development.

Nearly 400 native trees and shrubs were planted on Thursday, May 30, 2024 - the anniversary date of the Baldwin Act establishing Lambton County (May 30, 1849). The trees and shrubs included 175 tulip trees to mark the anniversary year. Sycamore, bur oak, red oak, swamp white oak, silver maple, Kentucky coffee tree, black chokeberry, and winterberry varieties were also planted to begin the process of restoration. The planting of a mini-forest is a method of densely planting native plants, one meter apart, to make them compete and grow faster and squeeze out space for any unwanted invasive species. Mulch and compost is also added as ground cover to simulate the kind of organic matter that would be found in a mature forest.

Image of various people planting trees in a field.

Show And Tell

Step into the spotlight and become a part of Lambton's 175 Anniversary celebration by sharing your cherished local history items at the upcoming Show and Tell event from Lambton County Library and Lambton County Museums.

Bring your prized possessions that embody Lambton's rich heritage. Whether it's a treasured family photograph, a handwritten diary brimming with tales of yesteryears, or vintage paper records echoing the stories of Lambton's past, every item holds significance in preserving our collective history.

Our dedicated team from Lambton County Museums will capture them through recordings, digitization, and photography. Not only will your contribution enrich our understanding of Lambton's heritage, but it will also serve as a valuable resource for future generations.

While there, explore displays showcasing Lambton's local history, and learn about opportunities to donate historical items for preservation and learn what local history resources are available with your library card.

Embrace this opportunity to showcase your connection to Lambton's past and join us in commemorating 175 years of community heritage. Together, let's celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Lambton's history!

Show and Tell will be happening throughout the County from June to September. Dates and locations include:

Doors Open

The County has partnered with The Ontario Heritage Trust and organizations across the County to open the doors, gates and courtyards of Lambton’s most unique and fascinating cultural sites so that residents can explore the stories inside! This one-day event will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024. For updates on future Doors Open Lambton County events, keep an eye on the Doors Open Lambton County webpage, follow us on Facebook, or contact us at doorsopen@county-lambton.on.ca.

Lambton 175 Exhibits

Photo of a white woman with brown hair standing next to a brown exhibit case filled with artifacts and information on 175 years of Lambton County.

Erin Dee-Richard, Curator / Supervisor of the Oil Museum of Canada, National Historic Site, stands with the Lambton 175 Exhibit featured at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in Queen's Park.

Legislative Assembly of Ontario

Lambton Heritage Museum and the Oil Museum of Canada, National Historic Site, are proudly featured as a Community Exhibit in the West Wing of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in Queen's Park, Toronto. The exhibit celebrates Lambton County's 175th Anniversary, highlighting the region's vibrant heritage and significant milestones. Visitors will discover artifacts and stories that illuminate Lambton's contributions to Ontario's cultural and industrial development, including the birth of Canada's oil industry. This exhibit offers a unique glimpse into the people, events, and innovations that have shaped Lambton County into what it is today.

Wardens of Lambton County Virtual Exhibit

Travel through time from 1852 to today, discovering the leaders who've shaped our community. Learn about their stories of leadership and how they've helped Lambton County grow. From the past's challenges to today's successes, explore how each Warden made a difference with their vision and hard work.

Explore Wardens of Lambton County Virtual Exhibit

Lambton County Celebrates 175 Years

History of Lambton County

Heritage Champions

175th Anniversary Celebrations

175th Anniversary Ceremony

Lambton 175 Exhibits

Legislative Assembly of Ontario

Wardens of Lambton County Virtual Exhibit