Donation of Stones 'N Bones Museum Collection to County finalized

Wyoming, ON - The County of Lambton and Allison Richards, owner of the Stones ‘N Bones Museum, have finalized a donation of the museum’s collection to the County of Lambton as part of plans to relocate and integrate the Museum into the Sarnia Library facility.

Project partners have been investigating and planning the proposal for more than a year, and the donation allows for the long-term preservation and public accessibility of one of the region’s most unique natural history collections and tourism attractions.

The donation includes approximately 4,650 natural history specimens including fossils, dinosaur bones and casts, mounted animals, and rare geological specimens. Ownership of the collection is anticipated to formally transfer to the County of Lambton by the end of 2026.

To relocate the collection to Sarnia Library, a renovation of the building is required. Sourcing of funding programs and the planning of a community fundraising campaign is currently underway. Once funding is in place for the project, renovations at Sarnia Library will take place. The relocated Stones ‘N Bones Museum could open to the public as early as 2028.

The project will see the transformation of existing space at the Sarnia Library facility at 124 Christina Street South. Once complete, the renovated cultural destination will feature a reimagined Stones ‘N Bones Museum on the second floor, with several main floor library enhancements.

For more than 30 years, Stones ‘N Bones Museum founders Jim and Allison Richards welcomed visitors to experience their extensive and widely recognized collection in downtown Sarnia. Following the passing of her husband Jim, Allison approached the County in 2025 with an offer to donate the museum collection in its entirety to the County of Lambton to ensure the long-term care and future of the collection.

“This collection is deeply personal to our memory,” said Allison Richards, current 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. Knowing that the collection will continue on, be protected, cared for, and made accessible in a new way through the County of Lambton, is something truly special. I’m grateful that Jim’s legacy, and everything we built together, will continue to inspire curiosity and wonder for years to come.”

“On behalf of Lambton County Council, I want to express our sincere appreciation for this extraordinary donation,” said Kevin Marriot, Lambton County Warden. “This is a landmark moment for our community, ensuring that this remarkable collection will be preserved, protected, and shared with the public for generations to come.”

Preliminary design and costing work for the renovation is currently underway. Significant capital investment from the community and project partners will be required to renovate the space and relocate and install the collection at Sarnia Library and costs are expected to be finalized this fall.

The Stones ‘N Bones Museum will remain open at its current location at 223 Christina Street North, Sarnia, throughout the summer, offering the public a final opportunity to visit the long-standing attraction in its current location. The museum is anticipated to close in September to facilitate the packing and temporary storage of the collection while the new museum space is being completed.

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Please contact:

Email: Kevin Marriott, Warden County of Lambton

Email: Andrew Meyer, Deputy CAO / General Manager Cultural Services Division County of Lambton