An available modular classroom on the campus of the Ridgecrest church and the Adventist Christian School now serves as the Biblical Archaeology and Anthropology Museum (BAAM). The building houses a permanent display of artifacts used in the “Buried Blueprint” series, along with related educational exhibits and activity opportunities.

Towering just outside the museum is a 12x10-foot poster portraying the two dinosaurs referenced in the Bible. Adult and student volunteers painted the poster that Pastor John Aitken and Principal James Johnson pointed out, “is a 'draw' to attract people to visit the museum."

Johnson recalled, “When Pastor Aitken first came to the church, he spoke about wanting to have a church-school museum. We feel we are the fortunate recipient of the museum and of the church’s interest in our school," the principal added. “Once each week, students of grades five to eight meet with Pastor Aitken in the museum for an enrichment class."

After each “Buried Blueprints” meeting, the pastor invites participants to BAAM to view museum artifacts and ask questions. In the process, Aitken mentioned the school’s enrichment program involving the museum. Since then, Johnson said, “Three or four families have expressed interest in the school, so we are keeping their names on the school mailing list.”

For the summer months, plans are underway to promote BAAM through area tourist outlets, because Ridgecrest is considered the gateway to Death Valley. Aitken plans an expanded museum schedule as well as a “Buried Blueprints” vacation Bible school complete with a “dig pit" so children can experience hands-on archaeology.