History of the Project
History of the Project
2021
Early founders invite area mother’s for a round-table discussion on enrichment opportunities for children in the community, more than 20 women attended and a lively discussion commenced.
A grant from the Richland-Wilkin Community Foundation was awarded to the Children's Discovery Center
2023
In 2023, The Children’s Discovery Center joined nine other children’s museums in the Greater Minnesota Children’s Museum Coalition. The Coalition contracted the lobbying firm Hylden Advocacy and Law to pursue capital investments, Legacy, and Education funding during the 2023 Minnesota legislative session.
The Children's Discovery Center was awarded an annual grant of $50,000 from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).
2024
The Children's Discovery Center was awarded $180,000 designated for the construction of the Growing of the Land agricultural exhibit. This work is funded in part by MHC with money from the Arts and Cultural
Heritage Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4,
2008.
Began serving the community with pop-up events. This made possible with funds awarded from a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.
The Children's Discovery Center secured a permanent location at the old Cinema 6 movie theater downtown Breckenridge, thanks to the efforts of the Joint Powers Authority and the Wilkin County Commissioners.
Advocacy
Since 2021, the Children's Discovery Center board has been an unwavering voice for the local community and area youth, actively engaging in advocacy efforts to promote their well-being and enrichment. Alongside the Infinity Center board, members of the Children's Discovery Center board have made frequent visits to the Minnesota Capitol, where they've met with numerous legislators, passionately advocating for the youth and our communities in the Red River Valley.
In 2024, members of the board participated in the Children's Museum Day at the Capitol, further amplifying their advocacy and raising awareness for Children's Museums across Minnesota .
The Children's Discovery Center is a member of the Greater Minnesota Children’s Museum Coalition which is a advocacy for children's museums across the state of Minnesota. The Coalition is made up of 12 children's museums and is a champion for the importance of such institutions in Minnesota. Together, they tirelessly lobby for fair and equitable funding, ensuring that children across the state have access to enriching educational experiences that foster their growth and development.
Grants
Since 2021, the board of the Children’s Discovery Center has been diligently writing and submitting grant proposals to secure the necessary funding for our vision.
Our efforts have been met with significant success, as we have been awarded several grants that recognize the importance of our mission. Importantly, these grants need to be spent within the next year, adding urgency to our decision to expedite our search for a permanent home.
These factors have intensified our efforts and further motivated us to continue our dedicated work. The receipt of these grants underscores the value and potential impact of the Children’s Discovery Center on our community, driving us to ensure its timely and successful establishment.
Permanent Location
The Children's Discovery Center secured a permanent location at the old Cinema 6 movie theater downtown Breckenridge, thanks to the support of the Joint Powers Authority and the Wilkin County Commissioners.
We firmly believe that the Children’s Discovery Center belongs in the heart of downtown Breckenridge. Establishing our project downtown is crucial for revitalizing the area, breathing new life into our community, and supporting local businesses. Our presence downtown will help attract visitors, foster economic growth, and contribute significantly to Breckenridge's overall vibrancy and development. This strategic move aligns with our mission to create a dynamic, engaging space for children and families, all while also contributing to the revitalization efforts of our town.
