$3.5 Million Campaign Launches for Stones 'N Bones Museum Project

The County of Lambton is launching a $3.5 million fundraising campaign to support the future Stones ‘N Bones Museum and transformation of the Sarnia Library, with the Judith & Norman Alix Foundation providing an early boost to the campaign through a $500,000 contribution.

In recognition of the Foundation’s significant support, the children’s library within the redeveloped facility will be named the Judith & Norman Alix Foundation Children’s Library.

“We are pleased to support the revitalization of this important cultural facility and help create a space that will provide families with greater access to youth programming, children’s resources and opportunities to learn and explore together,” said Joe Alix, President of the Judith & Norman Alix Foundation. “We hope this investment will help create meaningful experiences for children and families, inspiring a lifelong connection to learning, discovery and community.”

The campaign marks the next major step in the Stones ‘N Bones Museum project, following the County’s previous announcement that the collection would be donated to the County and relocated to the Sarnia Library at 124 Christina Street South.

“This generous $500,000 contribution from the Judith & Norman Alix Foundation provides tremendous momentum as we officially launch our fundraising campaign,” said Kevin Marriott, Lambton County Warden. “Their continued investment in cultural and community spaces across Lambton County has had a lasting impact, and we are grateful for their support as we work to create an exciting new destination for residents and visitors.”

The project will bring together library and museum experiences in one facility, creating new opportunities for discovery, learning and exploration for visitors of all ages. As part of that vision, the Judith & Norman Alix Foundation Children’s Library will feature a nature-inspired theme that complements the Stones ‘N Bones Museum and its natural history collection. Designed for children and families, the space will encourage curiosity, imagination and learning while creating a natural connection between the library and museum experiences.

For more than 30 years, Stones ‘N Bones Museum founders Jim and Allison Richards welcomed visitors to explore an extensive collection of approximately 4,800 natural history specimens, including fossils, dinosaur bones and casts, mounted animals and rare geological specimens. Following the passing of Jim in 2023, Allison continued to operate the museum and, in 2025, initiated discussions with the County of Lambton to ensure the collection could remain together and be preserved for future generations.

With the current Stones ‘N Bones Museum now closed to the public, the County will spend approximately the next three months carefully packing, documenting and preparing the collection for storage. This work will take place alongside continued project planning and fundraising.

“This collection represents decades of passion, curiosity and care, and the work happening now is an important part of preparing it for its next chapter,” said Andrew Meyer, Deputy CAO/General Manager, Cultural Services, County of Lambton.

“Our immediate focus is on carefully documenting and packing thousands of specimens while building the community support needed to bring the larger vision to life. The Judith & Norman Alix Foundation’s leadership gift is an incredible start to our $3.5 million campaign and demonstrates the impact that community partnerships can have on a project of this scale.”

Subject to project planning and fundraising progress, the County hopes to begin renovations to the Sarnia Library in 2027. The renovation will reimagine the facility as a co-located library and museum destination, with the Stones ‘N Bones collection incorporated throughout the building and a dedicated museum on the second floor.

“This collection is deeply personal to our family,” said Allison Richards, former owner of Stones ‘N Bones Museum. “For more than 30 years, Jim and I shared our passion for natural history with the community and watched generations of visitors discover something new each time they came through the doors. Seeing the community come together to support its future means so much. I’m grateful that Jim’s legacy, and everything we built together, will continue to inspire curiosity and wonder for years to come.”

The County is inviting individuals, families, businesses and organizations to help bring the project to life. A range of giving and sponsorship opportunities are available, providing the community with opportunities to support the collection’s permanent new home and the transformation of the Sarnia Library.

To learn more about the project, explore concept designs, or find out how to donate or get involved, visit www.stonesnbonesmuseum.ca.

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Please Contact:

Kevin Marriott
Warden
County of Lambton
519-381-6111
Email: Kevin Marriott

Andrew Meyer
Deputy CAO / General Manager Cultural Services Division
County of Lambton
519-845-0809 ext. 5236
Email: Andrew Meyer