China Lake Museum in Ridgecrest, California, preserves the history of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and the development of U.S. Navy aviation armament and technology, reflecting the area's long role in research, testing, and weapons development. It began in 1955 as a single room at the Weapons Exhibit Center, expanded in 1963, then declined as a laboratory took over its space. Rebuilding efforts resumed in 1989 under Milt Burford, and the China Lake Museum Foundation formed in 1993. Recognized in 2000 as the U.S. Naval Museum of Armament & Technology, it left the Navy museum system in 2011 and has since pursued relocation and new facilities in Ridgecrest to improve public access.