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| Basque Center in Boise, Idaho. |
Basque Museum & Cultural Center is the only museum in the United States dedicated to preserve, promote, and perpetuate Basque history and culture. It provides a look into the Basque heritage through exhibits,
collections, and tours. As a cultural center, it’s a gathering place for
events and educational opportunities, according to museum representatives.
Boise, Idaho has long been a central location where Basque immigrants first congregated after coming to the United States from the Spanish Basque Region. As immigrants established their lives here, Basques became well known for their hard work and perseverance, especially in the rigorous field of sheepherding.
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| Culture is preserved through traditional Basque dances. |
The Basque Sheepherder exhibit “focuses on the job that so many Basques came to
be known for in the American West. Peek inside a sheepwagon, where many
Basques spent several months at a time living while they were in the
hills herding sheep.”
An Enduring Culture exhibit is a brief overview of the history of the Basques of
yesterday and today. It includes many modern and historic photographs
and artifacts to highlight key aspects of the culture.
Dancing is perhaps one of the more fun ways to preserve Basque culture in the United States. The museum features an exhibit with costumes, instruments and photographs. In addition there are dancing activities and events held each year.
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| Children dress in traditional Basque costumes |
The Annual Benefit Dinner & Auction on Sat., April 7, 2018, at 6 p.m. at the Basque Center. $55. Purchase tickets by calling 208-343-2671.
Celebrate the history of Basque communities and families shared through research, interviews, and archiving with the Community History Project team.
There are cultural events every First Thursday of each month.
Basque Museum Cultural Center
611 Grove St.
Boise, ID 83702
208-343.2671
Hours:
Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday: 11a.m.-3 p.m.
; Closed: Sunday, Monday, Holidays
Cost: General – $5;
Seniors (65+) & Students – $4; Children 6-12 – $3;
Children 5-under – free
— Julianne G. Crane
To read more articles by Julianne G Crane about the RV lifestyle, go to RVWheelLife.com
Photos: Basque Museum Cultural Center.
