Temporary 'Black History' Museum Sprouts Up in Woodside Plaza

In honor of Black History Month, a new museum and learning center has recently sprouted up in the old retail space that used to house McWhorter's Stationary in Woodside Plaza in Redwood City.

For one month only during February, the 11,000-square-foot space is full of exhibits honoring African Americans' contributions to history. 

Throughout the room, visitors can see photos, memorabilia and reading material illustrating important moments in black history.

A sports exhibit depicts legends like Mohammed Ali and Jerry Rice, and a political exhibit showcases photos and facts about the Obamas as well as historical figures like Thurgood Marshall, Martin Luther King Jr. and more.

The museum and learning center was started by Belmont resident Carolyn Hoskins, who also used the old McWhorter's space to organize an NFL Alumni toy drive during the month of December, for local underprivileged children over the holidays. The Northern California chapter of the NFL Alumni association is also sponsoring the temporary museum.

As shown in the news video above, local classes have been making trips to the museum all month as part of their Black History Month curriculum.

"This exhibit is open to the public and we encourage parents, teachers, and everyone who is interested in American history, to visit this amazing display of culture and history," said Helen Mendel, a friend of Hoskins' who is helping do public relations for the exhibit. "'Black history' is American history."

The museum, located at 282 Woodside Plaza on Woodside Road next to Luckys grocery store, is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.

Though admission to view the exhibits is free, donations are suggested in the amount of $5 for adults, and $3 for students and senior citizens.

See footage of some of the museum's exhibits in the news video above.

For more information, call Carolyn Hoskins at 650-921-4191, or contact Jeff Bayer at 650-533-4949 or jbayer4949@aol.com.

Information on other Black History Month events in the area can also be found on the NFL Alumni website at www.nflalumninoca.org.

Have you seen the exhibit? If so, what did you think? Tell us in the comments below.

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