SUPPORT THE CHINA LAKE MUSEUM
The China Lake Museum preserves one of America's important stories of scientific innovation, military service, engineering, testing, and community. Your support helps protect artifacts, improve exhibits, expand educational programs, and preserve this history for future generations.
DONATE
Every gift helps preserve artifacts, expand educational programs, care for the museum's collections, and ensure the story of China Lake continues to inspire future generations.
Every donation—large or small—helps preserve the story of innovation at China Lake for future generations.
The China Lake Museum Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
BECOME A MEMBER
Choose the membership level that best fits your household or business. All memberships help preserve China Lake history and support museum programs.
Become a member by Phone, by Mail or Online
(760) 677-2866
INDIVDUAL MEMBERSHIP
| Level | Annual Fee | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $35 | 1 adult + 1 guest |
| Senior Couple (65+) | $45 | 2 seniors |
| Family | $65 | 2 adults + children under 18 |
| Contributor | $125 | 2 adults + children under 18 |
| Supporter | $500 | 2 adults + children under 18 |
All Individual Memberships Include:
Unlimited museum admission for one year during regular business hours
10% Museum Gift Shop discount
20% discount during Member Shopping Days
Quarterly The China Laker newsletter
Michelson Laboratory Machine Shop, China Lake, 1950S
BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP
| Benefit | Business Associate | Business Sponsor | Business Sustainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Membership | $100 | $500 | $1,500 |
| Museum Admission | Unlimited admission for two employees | Unlimited admission for two employees | Unlimited admission for two employees |
| The China Laker Newsletter | Subscription and recognition | Subscription and recognition | Subscription and recognition |
| Museum Website | Business logo | Business logo | Business logo |
| Museum Lobby Donor Wall | — | Business name | Business logo |
| Complimentary Family Guest Passes | 4 | 8 | 12 |
| 10% Gift Shop Discount Coupons | 4 | 8 | 12 |
Guest passes and Gift Shop coupons are valid for one-time use. Discount coupons cannot be combined with other offers. Business members are listed by membership level on the website. Logo size and placement reflect the level of support.
Polaris
Your China Lake Museum membership goes beyond Ridgecrest. Through the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) Passport Program, members may receive free general admission at hundreds of participating museums and science centers while traveling. Restrictions apply.
VISIT HUNDREDS OF MUSEUMS
Before You Visit
Visit museums more than 90 miles from your home or home museum.
Check the museum's admission policy before you travel.
Bring a photo ID if proof of residence is required.
Bring your membership card to receive ASTC benefits.
Benefits and restrictions vary by participating museum. Please verify details before traveling.
MEMORIAL BRICKS
Honor a loved one, celebrate a family connection, recognize military service, or commemorate your place in the China Lake story. Personalized bricks create a lasting tribute while helping support the museum.
Available sizes
• 4 × 8
• 8 × 8
Personal display copies are also available for an additional fee.
SUPPORT HANDS-ON STEAM LEARNING
You can also support the museum by purchasing supplies for our STEAM classroom. These materials help students and visitors explore science, technology, engineering, art, math, aviation, and hands-on problem solving through museum programs and classes.
Items purchased from our Amazon Wish List provide classroom materials, activity supplies, tools, and learning resources used in museum programs.
VOLUNTEER
Volunteers are at the heart of the museum. Whether you enjoy greeting visitors, working with collections, helping with events, teaching students, organizing archives, repairing exhibits, or sharing technical knowledge, there may be a place for you.
ANNUAL DINNER AUCTION & EVENTS
The China Lake Museum’s annual dinner auction and special fundraising events help support exhibits, education programs, artifact preservation, building needs, and future museum projects.
These events are also an opportunity for members, supporters, local businesses, and community partners to come together in support of preserving China Lake history.
Event dates, ticket information, sponsorship opportunities, and auction details are announced when available. For current information, please contact the museum or follow the China Lake Museum on Facebook.
The museum welcomes support from businesses, organizations, and community partners who value education, history, veterans, science, and local heritage.
Support may include sponsorships, in-kind donations, event support, services, or project-specific contributions.
Questions about sponsorship opportunities? Contact the museum—we'd love to talk with you.
BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
THANK YOU TO OUR BUSINESS MEMBERS
We gratefully acknowledge our business members whose support helps preserve the China Lake story. Please consider supporting the businesses that support the museum.
BUSINESS FOUNDER
$5,000 ANNUALLY
BUSINESS SUSTAINER
$1,500 ANNUALLY
BUSINESS SPONSOR
$500 ANNUALLY
BUSINESS ASSOCIATE
$100 ANNUALLY
Our business members are recognized by annual membership level.