Willard Whitson
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 10:48 am

KidSenses Children's Museum is pleased to announce that the Cannon Foundation has provided a $65,000 grant to its campaign to create The FACTORY, the museum's new teen education center. This is the third such grant the Foundation has made to the museum in support of this project.

KidSenses Executive Director, Willard Whitson, says, "It is very heartening when a foundation makes multiple contributions. Several of our supporters have made repeat gifts to The FACTORY; this enduring support has been critical in helping us continue toward our goal of securing $4,500,000 to complete construction. To date we have raised $4,150,000 and are on track to open next year." Whitson continues, "It is a testament to the significance of The FACTORY, an exciting new facility which will engage our adolescent population, many of whom are underserved. The importance of out of school learning and enrichment cannot be overstated. We want our youth to be invested and confident in their future. The entire KidSenses/FACTORY complex will enrich the lives of countless children of all ages for many years to come."

We are very grateful to the foundations, businesses, government agencies, and individuals who have contributed to the FACTORY project. Says Whitson, "When we first envisioned The FACTORY, we didn't realize that the campaign would span so many years. We have been sustained and inspired by the perseverance and passion of all who are committed to its creation."

KidSenses Children's Interactive Museum is located at 172 N. Main Street in Historic Downtown Rutherfordton. For information about the museum and the FACTORY expansion, please visit www.kidsenses.org or www.factorymuseum.org.