Basque Museum & Cultural Center Inc

Basques have been studied and documented by poets, historians, explorers for centuries. Jose Vasconcelos noted that the Basques are "a 'cosmic' race that can be found in every continent and on every sea, giving an example of diligence, integrity and modesty." Voltaire described the Basques as "these people who sings and dances on these mountains." Basque men and women have established themselves in and made huge impacts on communities throughout time and throughout the world. The Basque Museum & Cultural Center is the only museum in the United States dedicated to preserving the history of these modern people with ancient roots. 

What we share with our audience is a story that is familiar yet unique. It is common for an American today to claim two or three or several heritages; “I’m Irish and German”, “I’m French, Cuban, and Lebanese”. Most Americans can relate to a story of immigration and adaptation into new cultures. Basque culture is founded on the preservation of language, dance, and music, and this notion of preserving our past while contributing innovative ideas and influencing the future has enabled Basques the world over to affect many communities in a positive and unique way. Our exhibits and educational outreach programs focus on how Basques have influenced the city of Boise, the state of Idaho, the United States of America, and the rest of the world in profound ways.

Our mission is to preserve, promote, and perpetuate Basque history and culture.

Our Vision is to be an international leader showcasing Basque history and culture and connecting people to Basque experiences in the world.

Education is a key component of our organization and includes a language-immersion cultural preschool (Boiseko Ikastola), adult language classes, and educational presentations and materials provided to school, tour, and civic groups. The Ikastola (school in Basque) is open to children of all ethnic backgrounds and provides a curriculum designed around kindergarten preparation and immersion in the Basque language. As stated by a museum board member, “Preserving our precious Basque heritage requires a bond between our past and our future. The Basque Museum & Cultural Center is dedicated to providing that bond.”  

As the Basque Museum & Cultural Center has grown over the past 28 years and established a value in the community, a growing demand has emerged for new, expanded services from a larger audience.  The Basque Museum is committed to serve these needs and seeks additional funding to accomplish the requests of our patrons.  This year we plan to expand our services and outreach in the areas of

• Educational Outreach by offering additional presentations on and off-site on a variety of topics to pre-k through university-level students and children to seniors
• Historical Research to document the history of Basques in many communities in Idaho
• Increase our collections and make them more accessible to the public
• Provide additional scholarships for families to attend our immersion-language cultural preschool

Individuals look for unique experiences. The Idaho Department of Culture and Tourism and the Boise City Convention and Visitor’s Bureau feature the Basque Museum & Cultural Center and the Basque Block area in downtown Boise as something that is unique and special to the city and our state. Your support today will help the Basque Museum & Cultural Center expand services and programs, sharing Basque culture and history with the citizens of our state, the many visitors who travel to Idaho, and to the greater international community.

“Like a sort of magnet, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center draws visitors from near and far; it opens their hearts and minds to the beauty and excitement of learning that our differences – in heritage, culture, languages and customs – are not what separate us but what connect us all. I wish I could describe the joy I feel when I see that light dawn in the eyes of young and old alike. This amazing organization is above all a model for diversity and mutuality, working together to create true community.” – Museum Volunteer