Overview

The mission for the creation of Kids Discovery Factory (KDF) is to inspire young learners to innovate and create through exploration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM), with the primary goal of advancing STEAM exploration through the installation of a permanent children’s discovery center/children’s museum. KDF, a non-profit community organization, intends to renovate a one-hundred-year-old three- story building that will be convenient to the entire southeastern Indiana region, at 110 Sycamore Street in downtown Batesville. The neighboring vacant lot will accommodate a modern industrial addition to include an elevator, new central staircase, and multi-level exhibit space, as well as an interactive outdoor exhibit courtyard. The building and lot were purchased for KDF by Batesville Tool & Die. KDF will feature world-class exhibits, engaging programs, and exciting STEAM learning labs, providing a first-of-its-kind educational opportunity for students in the region. Featured exhibits highlight manufacturing in The Factory, creative design, and construction in Make Shop and Built It, and interactive exploration of water, air, light, and sound. KDF also aims to partner with The Smithsonian Institute to include a Spark! Lab invention studio. The project started in March 2021 and is expected to be completed in August 2024.