The center’s board has raised more than $5 million so far, putting it more than halfway toward the goal needed to construct a children’s museum on Minot’s North Hill.

The $150,000 grant will go towards The Magic City Discovery Center’s Gizmotron exhibit to be built in the new museum. The Gizmotron takes simple machines to a new level with its engaging “grain moving machine,” according to a news release. The multi-user mechanical exhibit encourages children to move grain between three drums by using a variety of mechanical devices including elevators, pulleys and a conveyor belt. The process of the movement of grain also encourages the development of sequential thinking, critical problem solving and understanding of cause and effect.

MCDC President Mark Lyman said the discovery center board is grateful for the Bremer Impact Fund and its many other supporters. At a symbolic check presentation Tuesday at the proposed construction site, Lyman said it has been amazing to see support from a wide variety of donors, from small donations from children to large donations like the Bremer grant.

“Without this level of support for the only children’s museum in the state, we wouldn’t be where we are at with our capital campaign. We are so excited about the educational impact this facility and it’s many wonderful exhibits will have on our children today and for decades to come,” Lyman said in a prepared statement.

Submitted Photo Children operate a Gizmotron, a grain-moving machine. A grant from the Bremer Impact Fund will go toward a Gizmotron for Magic City Discovery Center.

Ground-breaking is tentatively planned for next spring, contingent upon continued fundraising.

The Bremer Impact Fund is a donor-advised fund, established under the Minot Area Community Foundation in 2007. Since inception, the fund has granted over $453,000 to 22 area non-profit organizations in the community.