SUPPORT US
FUNDING OUR MISSION
Celebrating our history and culture begins with the generous support of our members, donors, sponsors, and volunteers. Their support is vital to our mission of promoting the understanding and exploration of Iron Range culture and history. We accomplish this mission by enhancing the lives of our residents through relevant events, programs, and exhibits, and showcasing the heritage and treasures of the Iron Range to a diverse audience.
BECOME A MEMBER
By becoming an MDC member, not only do you gain access to special perks and discounts, but you also support us in our mission to transport our visitors to a space where they can connect with the Iron Range’s storied past while creating lasting memories that honor the region’s unique human and natural history.
MAKE A DONATION
Support our mission by making a donation! We accept both monetary donations and artifact donations.
MONETARY DONATIONS
Support our mission by donating today! It’s quick, easy, and very much appreciated.
ARCHIVE DONATIONS
In partial fulfillment of Minnesota Discovery Center’s mission, MDC maintains permanent historical collections—specifically, archives, artifacts, and library collections.
Before an item is acquired for our collections, it undergoes a rigorous review process. Guided by MDC’s collections policy, the curator and/or the archivist determine whether to accept a donation. Not all items are accepted: they may not fit MDC’s collections policy, may be redundant to other items in the collections, or may be too fragile or expensive to care for.
WHAT DOES MDC COLLECT?
We collect a wide variety of materials:
- Historical artifacts
- Cultural objects
- Photographs
- Art pieces
- Manuscripts
- Books
- Maps
- Government records
- Film, video, and sound recordings
- Sheet music
- Oral histories
HOW TO DONATE AN ITEM
If you would like to donate a historical artifact or cultural object, contact our Collections Manager, Cara Mooney: cara@mndiscoverycenter.org or 218-254-6024.
For all other donations, contact our archivist: archivist@mndiscoverycenter.org or 218-254-1229.
Please note: According to Minnesota Museum Property Act (MN State Statute 345.70-74), MDC has the right to dispose of any unsolicited materials delivered to it. If you’d like to donate something, please make an appointment with MDC’s curator or archivist prior to dropping off an item or sending a package.
BECOME A CORPORATE SPONSOR
Join us in making a difference. Your support as a corporate sponsor can transform lives and communities. Partner with us to enhance your brand’s visibility, fulfill your corporate social responsibility goals, and make a lasting impact.
Want more info? Contact our team to learn general information about sponsorship opportunities and how your company can get involved.
Have something specific in mind? Contact Executive Director Char Conger directly at Char@MNDiscoveryCenter.org to discuss your corporate sponsorship idea in more detail. Together, we can achieve more!
PARTICIPATE IN EMPLOYEE GIVING
If you work for a large corporation, an independent business, or a government agency, chances are you have the opportunity to participate in employee giving. Employee giving is an easy way to make tax-deductible donations to nonprofit organizations, like the Minnesota Discovery Center, that you care about by donating directly from your paycheck.
To enroll in employee giving, connect with your employer’s HR or accounting department and choose the Minnesota Discovery Center for your employee-giving contribution. Your donation will help support our museum and educational programming.
PARTICIPATE IN PLANNED GIVING
LEAVE YOUR LEGACY
When you include the MN Discovery Center in your estate planning, your generosity and family stories can live on with us for generations to come. Your gifts will not only help support the Discovery Center’s mission, but we can also uniquely encapsulate your family story and share your legacy for years to come in our archives and museum.
WAYS TO PLAN AHEAD
Bequest in your will, your trust, your IRA, or plan a retirement gifts or beneficiary designations.
For more information, please contact MDC’s Executive Director, Char Conger, via email or 218-421-7588.
