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!

Once called Faethorne House, this historical building began as a country home. Today, it houses the Bright’s Grove Library and Gallery in the Grove. During Doors Open, step back in time and explore its history — including the infamous 1934 kidnapping of brewery magnate John Labatt. Nestled near Lake Huron, this library is a living piece of Bright’s Grove’s history.

This former home of mariner John Edgar Bury features several rooms, including a parlour and servants’ quarters. Today, as part of the Sombra Museum, it has been restored to the late 19th century and features a phonograph once owned by Thomas Edison, a Doherty stove, a church lamp, seven mourning wreaths, period furniture, vintage toys and hundreds of everyday objects.

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.

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.

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. Upstairs in one of the barns is the herb drying area.

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.

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.

The Inwood United Church is nestled in the centre of the village of Inwood and is 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 to explore.

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.

Lakeview Cemetery is a 28-hectare (70-acre) cemetery offering indoor niches, outdoor cremation plots and niches, as well as traditional full burial plots. The historical mausoleum contains full burial crypts and indoor niches. The mausoleum is also the first of its kind in the Sarnia area with its unique construction in the Greek revival style. Enjoy a peaceful and contemplative tour.

The Lambton County Archives supports local genealogical and history research — with highlights that include local newspapers, land records and census records. Explore unique documents and photographs from the collection. Take a rare behind-the-scenes tour of the collection's storage vault (not normally accessible to the public). Learn about the history of Lambton County through this fascinating collection.

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.

Discover the unique collection of Ray and Marjorie Lloyd — a local treasure — 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; they will gladly share information about local history, too.

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 the building's history.

Come and explore bygone days in this rural, heritage village, which includes a one-room schoolhouse, a historical church, a blacksmith shop, log cabin, Victorian cottage, railroad station, fire hall, caboose and more. Discover how people worked the land in the agricultural implement building or learn how they navigated the lakes with a marine exhibit room and 1890 range light.

Nemo Hall was built for 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 and included the house, a coach house, an orchard, exotic gardens and five oil wells.

The Oil Museum of Canada, in the Village of Oil Springs, preserves the site of the first commercial oil well in North America. Learn the story of Canada’s oil pioneers — a unique and captivating era of our shared history! The 4-hectare (10-acre) site features four historical buildings with reconstructed spring-pole and three-pole derricks dominating the property.

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.

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.

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. Experience this historical working oil field in person!

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. Originally the community’s second station, this historical building replaced an earlier depot from the 1860s. During Doors Open, explore the station’s significant role in the development of Petrolia’s oil industry through site interpretation.

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.

Step into history at the Sarnia Library! Explore the Lambton 175 exhibit, developed by the Lambton County Archives, which showcases 175 years of local history through captivating stories and artifacts. From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., enjoy a free live performance by Sisters of Choice, an engaging and energized trio performing hits from the 1940s to the 1970s.

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).