09/18/2026
LANCASTER SCIENCE FACTORY RECEIVES $300,000 GRANT FROM DART FOUNDATION FOR TWO NEW EXHIBIT AREAS
LANCASTER, PA – The Lancaster Science Factory is pleased to announce it has received a $300,000 grant from the Dart Foundation. These funds will support two new interactive exhibit areas at the Science Factory. The first exhibit area, the Wonder Zone, engages visitors in exploration of light, color, sound, forces and motion, and engineering challenges. The Wonder Zone is specifically designed to be developmentally appropriate and accessible for kids aged 3-5 but is sure to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. The other exhibit area, How People Make Things, brings manufacturing to life, showing how everyday objects are made, and highlighting the people who make them and their careers. This is the single largest one-time gift in the Science Factory’s history.
“At the Science Factory, we believe that every visit should give children and families a new reason to wonder, explore, and be curious.” says Executive Director, Karen Knecht. “ The Dart Foundation makes that possible. Their generous support allows us to refresh and expand our exhibits, inviting visitors to experience STEM firsthand and see themselves as scientists and engineers. We are incredibly grateful to the Dart Foundation for investing in the Wonder Zone and How People Make Things, and in the Lancaster community.”
Construction on the Wonder Zone area is now underway in anticipation of a grand opening to the public the weekend of November 14th and 15th. The Wonder Zone will feature exhibits like Colorful Shadows, the Everbright, Shape Projector, Ramps and Magneticars, Reach Sound exhibit, Pin wall, Clinky Rods, Engineering Wall, and more to explore! The exhibits will also feature early literacy prompts and tips for caregivers to engage their early learners in STEM.
Development of the hands-on manufacturing exhibit area is still under way, and the Science Factory anticipates installation in early 2027. This is a partnership with the Children’s of Museum of Pittsburgh to adapt their travelling exhibit, How People Make Things, for permanent installation at the Science Factory. The exhibit teaches students about introductory principles of manufacturing through the concepts of cut, mold, deform, and assemble.
"The Dart Foundation has a long history of supporting hands-on STEM education in our giving communities across the country," says Emily Matthews, Executive Director of the Dart Foundation. "We are proud of the Lancaster Science Factory for being responsive to community needs, and the Dart Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to support these two new exhibits that will be impactful for generations to come."
These projects are part of a larger, multi-year exhibits refurbishment of the Science Factory, where 40% of all exhibits were installed upon first opening their doors in 2008. To date $570,000 has been raised toward an estimated project budget of $750,000. Future improvements will feature updates to their Bubble Zone, Water Lab, and multiple other exhibits and exhibit areas.
About the Lancaster Science Factory The Lancaster Science Factory is a non-profit science center located at 454 New Holland Avenue, Lancaster, PA. The mission of the Lancaster Science Factory is to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence by fostering an inclusive environment for hands-on STEM exploration. We actively seek to make our facility and educational programs accessible to all.
About the Dart Foundation The Dart Foundation is a private family foundation established by Dart Container Corporation founder William A. Dart and his wife Claire T. Dart. The Foundation supports organizations and projects that improve the quality of life in the communities we serve and has contributed more than $100 million to causes that make a positive impact.
Media Contact:
Rob Reed
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