“Hidden in Plain Sight: The Basques” at Four Rivers Cultural Center
Opening at 6:00 PM on February 2 through April 2
Ontario – The Basque Museum & Cultural Center, Boise, Idaho, has created an insider’s look into the compelling historical journey of Basque men, women and children and their often “hidden” participation in many international, national and local events over the past five centuries. From their story as explorers and whalers in the 1500s to their immigration in the early 20th Century from the Basque regions of France and Spain to the United States, “Hidden in Plain Sight” explores the language, customs, traditions and values of the Basque people as well as the allure that America held for them.
The exhibit showcases Basque history and culture in six separate themes and narrative. Exhibit materials were selected to represent Basques from across the U.S. as well as the Basque homeland. The compilation includes audio and visual recordings, historic and contemporary photographs, interesting historical artifacts, artwork and an interactive language component.
The exhibit opens at the Four Rivers Cultural Center on February 2 from 6-8 PM and will remain through April 2 in the Cultural Center’s Harano gallery. The opening and any visit to the exhibit is FREE.
“As the nation’s only Basque museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center was presented with the rare opportunity to create an unprecedented display of Basque history, language, and culture to open the exhibit at Ellis Island. It’s an honor to continue to share this information with the public to make them aware of the great contributions the Basques have made to world history and the history of our country,” said Patty Miller, Director of the Basque Museum & Cultural Center’s Basque Community History Project.
Basques have made a significant impact around the world throughout history and continue to have a vast presence and influence in the U.S, particularly in the American West. Contemporary Basque Americans have benefitted greatly from the strong work ethic and determination of their ancestors. Today, Basque culture is alive and thriving, and the Basque Museum in Idaho serves as a pivotal national cultural resource for Basque education, history, and celebration.
Ontario has a rich history of Basque citizens. Coming here beginning at the turn of the 20th century, many initially worked in the sheep industry, but later owned their own farms and opened businesses in Ontario. As part of an area featuring one of the largest concentration of Basques in the United States, their culture is alive and well in Ontario.
The Four Rivers Cultural Center is proud to display this compelling history of the Basques. It is a source of pride for us to have this culture in our midst, and the history of their hard work and contributions to our community is a rich one.
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About the Basque Museum &Cultural Center
The Museum was established in 1985 and has grown to include a large gallery, classrooms, varied collections and a specialty retail store. Located in scenic Boise, Idaho, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center is an international leader showcasing Basque history and culture and connecting people to Basque experiences in the world. Through hard work and the support of many individuals, businesses, foundations, and Basque communities, the Museum interprets the rich and colorful history of the Basques, their origins, and their new life in the United States.
www.basquemuseum.com www.basqueexhibit.com
About the Four Rivers Cultural Center
Opened in 1997, Four Rivers Cultural Center is a 501c3 non-profit that provides arts, culture and educational programming to the citizens of the Western Treasure Valley. The mission is to unite the community through the celebration and education of diversity and culture. We provide our programming FREE or at very low costs to make it affordable for everyone. We are home to the Hikaru Mizu Japanese Garden, the Harano exhibit gallery, a 13,000 square foot museum of local history, a 535 seat performing arts theatre and a conference facility that can hold 1,000 for meetings.
www.4rcc.com facebook – Four Rivers Cultural Center and Museum
