Folsom History sees leadership change

Folsom History is undergoing a leadership change after its executive director announced her departure. After nearly five years of leadership, Dr. Rita Mukherjee Hoffstadt has announced she will step down. She has been selected as the new CEO of the Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland. Hoffstadt joined Folsom History in 2021, guiding the organization through the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and into a period of growth and transformation. She led the rebranding from the Folsom Historical Society to Folsom History, established a new mission, vision and strategic plan, and developed a new permanent exhibit. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its public reach by increasing visitation and school programming while launching new annual fundraisers, including "Eat. Create. Celebrate." and "History Makers." She also strengthened Folsom History's role as a community-centered, public-facing institution. Hoffstadt oversaw the rebranding of Pioneer Village into The Square, transitioning the site from a living history outdoor museum to a dynamic makerspace and active learning center. At The Square, Folsom History honors both the makers and the makerspaces that carry on the traditions of historic town squares. This work has included introducing clean blacksmithing with electric induction forges, developing hands-on maker workshops and beginning the ongoing revitalization of the historic Ashland Station building. The Folsom History Board of Directors has appointed Tyler Tocci, current operations and collections director, as interim senior director. Tocci, who holds a Master of Arts in Public History from California State University, Sacramento, has been with Folsom History since 2023. Greg Jung, Folsom History Board chair, expressed confidence in Tocci as he steps into this important role. "Under Rita's guidance, Folsom History grew in ways that will have a lasting impact on our community. We are enormously proud of what the organization has accomplished under her leadership and wish her every success as she takes on this exciting new role at Chabot Space & Science Center," Jung said. "We are equally confident in Tyler Tocci as he steps into the interim senior director role. Tyler brings both a scholarly foundation and a genuine love for this community, qualities that make him the right person to lead Folsom History through this transition." Tocci began as visitor services coordinator before quickly advancing to visitor services and volunteer manager, where he oversaw volunteer training, daily site operations and the museum store. In his current role, he manages all museum operations and cares for the museum's collection and archives, which include more than 13,000 items. Tocci said he's excited to take on this new position. He will assume his new role May 20. "It is an honor to step into this role at a place that holds so much of our community's shared story," said Tocci. "Local museums aren't just about preserving the past; they're about connecting people, sparking curiosity and shaping how a community understands itself. Folsom has an exciting and unique story to tell, and I am thrilled to lead this organization toward a future where we serve as a greater community partner and asset." A Folsom native, Tocci attended Oak Chan Elementary School, Folsom Middle School and Vista del Lago High School. Tocci's Master's thesis, "The Making of Modern Folsom," documented oral histories of Folsom's recent growth and development. Tocci said, "This city's history has its roots in the Gold Rush, but the last 50 years have been truly transformative. From the 'Tech Rush' of the 1980s to the population boom of the 1990s, Folsom has had an upward trajectory and isn't stopping anytime!"