Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Tollefson.
Hi Diane , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In the early 1970s, Westminster was celebrating its 100th birthday—a moment that invited reflection on how the city came to be. Amid the centennial festivities, a group from the local Presbyterian Church, led by longtime resident Edna Richards, began digging into the past to document the stories of the congregation’s founding families. Before long, Edna realized that writing the church’s history meant uncovering the story of Westminster itself.
That spark of curiosity grew into something lasting. In 1974, Neomia Willmore and Joy Neugebauer officially founded the Westminster Historical Society, joined by fellow history enthusiasts Edna Richards and Janet Reynolds. Together they set out to preserve the stories, photos, and artifacts that defined the city’s early identity. Janet—who later became the Society’s third president and also led the local Soroptimist Club—helped expand the group’s reach and bring new members into the fold. Without a permanent home, they met wherever they could: City Hall’s recreation center, the Westminster Library, any space that welcomed their growing project.
Their big breakthrough came in 1976. Local resident Marie Hare wanted her family home preserved, and with her encouragement, the McCoy-Hare House was moved to Hazard Avenue at Heritage Park. Volunteers restored the home and opened it to the public, complete with a re-creation of Westminster’s first drugstore, built in 1874 by Dr. James McCoy. Decades later, the building earned its place as Orange County Historical Landmark No. 8.
Momentum built quickly from there. In 1980, the Society opened its first museum in the former Weber School PTA building on Hoover Street. Then, in 1988, they took on a major restoration of the Midway City Women’s Club building, originally constructed in 1929. The structure was relocated to Blakey Historical Park and, after countless volunteer hours, reopened as the Westminster Museum—home to exhibits spanning the region’s Indigenous and Rancho eras, the founding of Westminster Colony in 1870, and the city’s incorporation in 1957.
The land beneath the museum tells a story too. The two acres that make up Blakey Historical Park were donated by Leaora Blakey, who arrived in Westminster Colony in 1894. Her gift ensured that future generations would have a place to connect with the city’s roots.
In 1989, another chapter unfolded when the Warne Family’s big red barn and farmhouse were moved from Bolsa Avenue to Blakey Park. The barn became home to a collection of antique farm equipment—a 125-year-old sugar beet wagon, vintage John Deere tools, even a five-foot steam engine flywheel—while the restored farmhouse offered an intimate glimpse into 1915 life, complete with an iron cookstove and a 250-year-old grandfather clock.
Today, the Westminster Historical Society continues to thrive as a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing the city’s story. Open houses, exhibits, and community events keep history alive—not as something distant or dusty, but as a living conversation between past and present. Fifty years after Edna Richards gathered that first group of storytellers, the Society remains rooted in the same purpose: to remember, restore, and inspire.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For the most part, the road has been pretty smooth—especially for an all-volunteer organization that’s been running strong for half a century. But like any long journey, there have been challenges along the way. The Westminster Historical Society has always thrived on community involvement, and sustaining that energy over decades takes constant dedication and care.
One of the biggest shifts has been going digital. For a group rooted in physical archives and historic homes, the move toward online engagement hasn’t been simple. We’re working to digitize materials and connect with audiences who live their lives on screens rather than in museums.
Membership and donations are ongoing struggles too—especially as the Society looks to attract new board members and younger generations. Getting people under forty excited about local history takes more than nostalgia; it takes storytelling that feels relevant and alive. Still, there’s optimism. Event programming continues to bring people together, all thanks to volunteers who donate their time and heart to keeping history accessible.
Looking ahead, 2026 will mark a milestone: 250 years since the founding of the United States. For the Westminster Historical Society, that anniversary isn’t just a celebration of the past—it’s an invitation. It’s a chance to inspire curiosity, rekindle civic pride, and show how understanding history is a prelude to shaping the future.
As you know, we’re big fans of Westminster Historical Society. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Westminster Historical Society is not just about saving old buildings or displaying artifacts—it’s about telling the stories that define Westminster’s identity. From the landmark Mendez v. Westminster case of 1947, which helped end racial segregation in California’s public schools and paved the way for Brown v. Board of Education, to the establishment of Little Saigon—the largest Vietnamese-American community in the United States—this city’s history is woven with resilience, justice, and cultural transformation.
Inside Blakey Historical Park, that legacy comes to life. The Society oversees a collection of buildings—the McCoy-Hare House, the Warne Family Barn, the Midway City Women’s Club building, and even the Shutter Shak photography shed—all maintained by volunteers. Every piece has been cleaned, repaired, and preserved through a tremendous amount of dedication and teamwork. Board members are encouraged to contribute their individual strengths, whether in restoration, events, or education.
“The more time I spend here, the prouder I become of Westminster,” several board members said. The grounds have hosted family weddings, community gatherings, and even childhood memories—like running across the stage of the Museum.
Not every city has a place like this—a living, breathing link to its roots. For the Westminster Historical Society, that’s what makes their work so meaningful. They’re not just preserving history; they’re sustaining the connections that make a community proud to call itself home.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Come visit! We’re open the first Sunday of every month from 1 pm – 4 pm. You can also make an appointment with our curator at [email protected].
Contact Info:
- Website: https://westminsterhistoricalsociety.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westminsterhistorical/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westminsterhistorical
Image Credits
JenMarie Landig
