Heritage Champions to be honoured to mark Lambton’s 175th anniversary

Wyoming, ON - As part of the County of Lambton's 175^th Anniversary celebrations this year, Lambton County Archives launched the Heritage Champions Awards in February, with the intent to recognize the exceptional efforts of individuals and groups who have dedicated themselves to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Lambton County.

In response to the call for nominations, 27 outstanding individuals and organizations from each of the eleven municipalities within Lambton County will be recognized at a special ceremony during Lambton County Council on June 5, 2024, as part of the County’s 175^th Anniversary celebrations.

“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.”

The following individuals and organizations will be recognized at the June 5, 2024 session of Council with a Heritage Champions Award:

• 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.  

These Heritage Champions will be presented with a certificate and medal at the Lambton County Council session, and are publicly recognized online as part of a Heritage Champion profile listing that can be accessed at www.lambtonmuseums.ca.

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