Founded in San Francisco, California in 1979, the Society of Basque Studies in America is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and dissemination of Basque culture, tradition, customs, and folklore in America.  The intention of the organization was disseminating current knowledge regarding Basques worldwide so that others could learn of their distinctive heritage, ancient language, customs, and traditions in the United States. This is a small, self-financed organization consisting of President Jose Ramon Cengotitabengoa, Vice-President Emilia Doyaga, and Secretary Ana Aguirre.

Past Projects:

National Monument to the Basque Sheepherder in Reno, Nevada (1989).  The Society promoted the creation of the monument of the Basque Sheepherder in Reno, Nevada.  The monument, designed by Basque sculptor Nestor Basterretxea, was designed to commemorate the sacrifices of thousands of young Basques who came to America to herd sheep.

Exposition of Basque Sculptors (1994).  The Basque Government supported a Basque exposition on Basque Culture in Chicago, Illinois. Three Basque sculptors came: Vicente Larrea, Remigio Mendiburu, and Nestor Basterretxea. Conferences were organized by the Society of Basque Studies in the Art Institute of Chicago.

Gift of the Basque Fishing Boat: Trainera "Ameriketatik" The Society supported the construction of an original Basque Trainera (fishing boat)as gift of gratitude to the land of Basque heritage. This trainera was a donation of the Basques of the Americas to Euskal Herria, hence the name Ameriketatik. Currently, the trainera is located at the Donibane Pasaia port in Gipuzkoa.

Current Projects:

Journal of the Society of Basque Studies in America.  The journal is a collection of articles generally written by professors about the Basque culture and is published on a yearly basis. This effort concentrates on disseminating information to an English-speaking audience. This journal is then sent to the most important university libraries in the United States.

Basque Hall of Fame.  Also, for the past 25 years, the Society of Basque Studies in America has been celebrating the Basque Hall of Fame – a tribute to individuals or institutions that have done something to promote Basque culture in the Americas. They can be of Basque or non-Basque descent, but living in the Americas. This has been done in many different cities where there are Basque communities in the United States as well as in Argentina and Mexico. See the Hall of Fame ceremony recently celebrated in Boise, Idaho.