The Mary Dale and Jim Hansen Family Lead the Way for the Grand Forks Children’s Museum

When you talk to people in Grand Forks about what makes this community special, you’ll hear the same themes again and again: generosity, commitment, and a deep belief in building something better for the next generation. Grand Forks is a place where neighbors show up for one another, where families put down deep roots, and where people quietly invest in the future because they believe in the power of community. MaryDale and Jim Hansen stand alongside many generous families who have embraced that spirit in meaningful ways.

This winter, the Hansens made a remarkable $250,000 matching gift to support the new Grand Forks Children’s Museum. It is the very first of eight leadership gifts needed to unlock a transformational $2 million match from an anonymous donor. Their early commitment didn’t just move the project forward; it helped launch the campaign with strong, early momentum.

Jim Hansen and his brother Steve spent their careers building Hansen Ford into a trusted local business, known as much for its integrity as its service. MaryDale inspired generations of students during her teaching years and continued that impact through many years of volunteer service in the Grand Forks public schools, offering a steady presence, deep patience, and a belief in the power of learning. Together, Jim and MaryDale raised their children here. Supporting the Grand Forks Children’s Museum, they say, is simply an extension of their lifelong commitment to the families, schools, and community that shaped their own lives.

For the Hansens, the museum represents more than a building, it’s a promise to the future: a place where curiosity is encouraged, where families gather, and where every child can explore, imagine, and discover. As a teacher, MaryDale saw firsthand how hands‑on learning can ignite a child’s confidence. As a business owner, Jim spent decades building relationships across Grand Forks and came to understand how a community flourishes when its families and children are supported. The Grand Forks Children’s Museum brings that spirit to life under one roof. The Hansens understand how curiosity can change a child’s whole world. The Grand Forks Children’s Museum will open doors for every child and give them the space to discover their own potential.

Each act of giving strengthens the momentum, helping the museum advance toward unlocking the full $2 million match. Donor support creates a ripple effect, quietly inspiring others to add their support and move the project forward.

The Grand Forks Children’s Museum will stand as a place of joy, learning, and connection for decades to come. Thousands of children will walk through its doors each year, discovering new ideas, new skills, and new confidence. Woven in every exhibit, every program, and every moment of wonder will be the legacy of families who believed in the power of investing in children.

The Hansens were among the very first donors to step forward for the Grand Forks Children’s Museum, offering early confidence that helped the project gain meaningful momentum. Thanks to their leadership and generosity, the future of the Grand Forks Children’s Museum is brighter than ever.

Katie Mayer, Executive Director, Grand Forks Children's Museum