Vandenberg Space Force Base has launched a new home for its museum exhibits detailing decades of history, some of it once top secret and since declassified.

Once tucked into a remote although picturesque coastal site, the Space and Missile Technology Center has moved into the former clubhouse building at the closed Marshallia Ranch Golf Course off San Antonio Road West in Lompoc.

Previously based at the historic Space Launch Complex-10 several miles inside Vandenberg’s security gates, the center also sat in the shadow of at least one active launch facility — both factors limiting visitor access.

“This is just the beginning,” said Col. Mark Shoemaker, Space Launch Delta 30 commander at Vandenberg.

Old consoles sporting the distinctive seafoam green color and a dial telephone hearkening to a former era sit in the former pro shop. Other displays detail the once top-secret Corona reconnaissance program and retired Peacekeeper program.

Vandenberg’s heritage center has faced challenges because of sitting next to an increasingly busy Space Launch Complex-2 — “not an ideal place,” Shoemaker said.

After years of dreams, discussions and labor, a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday marked the completion of the center’s new home.

However, Shoemaker, who plans to retire from the military next month, said the center will continue evolving beyond Tuesday.

“I’m just so excited to be here today,” Shoemaker said. “As we cut this ribbon, it’s not only opening the doors to a truly unique museum experience that expresses the history of Vandenberg, but we also mark a significant stride toward realizing this transformation toward the spaceport of the future.”

After operating for 58 years, Marshallia, an 18-hole golf course, driving range and clubhouse, partially closed in 2016 and fully shuttered months later. Base officials blamed financial woes because of increased costs of maintaining and watering the grass. 

Later, outside developers explored turning Marshallia into the Vandenberg Dunes with public courses, a hotel and more, but terminated the project because of a lack of sufficient groundwater.

The Space and Missile Technology Center isn’t the only new use eyed the former golf course. 

Plans call for the campus to become the new home for the family camp since the existing camping facility sits near the end of the runway and a construction site. 

Other discussions involved reviving the site for viewing launches and creating walking trails. Another old building eventually will house larger components for rocket and missile vehicles.

For years, Jay Prichard, director of the Space and Missile Technology Center, has served as the person propelling the museum’s evolution. 

Recognizing the limited access at SLC-10, he had long envisioned a new home for the exhibits, many involving since-canceled programs and others focused on once-top-secret missions such as the Corona program. 

After serving for 10 years in the Air Force as an aircraft and missile maintainer, Prichard and volunteers spent decades building the museum’s exhibits and a deep knowledge about Vandenberg.

“I could probably drop you at a random place on the base in a parachute in a blindfold and you can tell me what happened on Jan. 15, 1973,” Shoemaker said of Prichard. “So, your legacy will continue and inspire us as we strive to achieve even greater heights in the future with what we have here.”

Introducing youths to the rich history of Vandenberg has delivered huge rewards through the years, Prichard said. 

“The other thing for me which was a true gift was to have all of the original pioneers, all these original innovators, feel safe and comfortable to bring their story to this trusted location to save for the future,” said Prichard, who will retire Friday after nearly four decades of federal service. 

Many pioneers had to remain mum for decades about their roles during the early days of Vandenberg launches before officials declassified those programs. 

“Museums aren’t just places where old things go and stay,” Prichard said. “Hence, the word museum’s root word ‘to muse,’ to inspire people.

“Their stories come to inspire the next generation.”

Prichard, who loves to share stories, also heard several tales from those who served on the base during Vandenberg’s early days. 

“Once they finally could tell the story, it was hard for them to even do that because they were so ingrained with that security posture that they needed to talk to somebody that understood their language,” Prichard said.

With Prichard’s looming retirement and replacement not yet on the job, for now the Space and Missile Technology Center will remain open by appointment only through the Vandenberg Public Affairs Office. Eventually, base officials hope to establish regular hours for visitors.