The Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center in Redwood City showcases founder Carolyn Hoskins’ extensive personal collection of African American art, history, artifacts, memorabilia, books, musical recordings and videos.  

Items are on numerous folding tables rather than in display cases in the center, which opened in 2024 in a former retail space downtown.  

“As you can see, you’re looking at 22,000 square feet of African American people, and we’ve barely scratched the surface,” says Hoskins, the museum’s director and curator.

The museum is named for the founder’s grandson Domini, who, when he was a youngster in the 1990s, asked if there were other famous Blacks besides Martin Luther King Jr. 

Carolyn Hoskins, a Belmont resident, set out to show him and other San Mateo County schoolchildren that Black history goes beyond King, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and Harriet Tubman. 

Hoskins, who has received many honors for her community service, initially presented information during February’s Black History Month, then began displaying her growing collection in pop-ups at vacant retail spaces throughout the county. The current collection opened after State Sen. Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) secured $2 million in funding to create a permanent home. 

With a mission to “educate the public about Black history and inspire visitors by highlighting the achievements of African Americans throughout history,” the museum, which Hoskins runs with assistance from volunteers, today primarily hosts schoolchildren on field trips. On a recent weekday afternoon, it was quiet. But when classes from schools in Foster City and San Mateo visit, the noise level rises. After an introductory lecture, the students tour the exhibits in small groups and then take a quiz. 

Sports history items are plentiful in the museum. Hoskins’ late husband, Robert “Bob” Hoskins, was a lineman for the San Francisco 49ers from 1969 to 1975. He died in 1980. 

The displays include Wheaties boxes with tennis champions Serena Williams and Coco Gauff; a new exhibit focusing on the U.S. Soccer Team, which is preparing to play in the World Cup; and a life-sized cutout of Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry, who lives in the county. Curry has not visited. Hoskins says, “He may not even know about the museum.”  

The collection also includes memorabilia related to politicians, Supreme Court justices, entertainers, police and firefighters.  

Two tables have hair care and beauty products near a poster of Madam C.J. Walker, who made a fortune marketing cosmetics and hair care products for Black women; she also was a patron of the arts, philanthropist and activist supporting organizations such as the NAACP.  

A section of the museum highlights the U.S. civil rights movement in the 1950s-60s.  

Many tables are topped with books for children and adults. Magazines such as People, Newsweek, Jet and Vibe are on display, as well as records comprising an exhibit about music. 

A large exhibit celebrates the presidency of Barack Obama, including many items related to former First Lady Michelle Obama. 

The Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center is at 890 Jefferson Ave., Redwood City. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $15 general; $10 seniors; $5 youth; free for children under 5. Visit hoskinsblackhistorymuseum.org.