Basque Cultural Group

The Basques are a people who live between the Bay of Biscay and the Pyrenees Mountains. They are currently to be found in France, in the so called "North Basque Country" or Pays Basques, and in Spain in the so called "South Basque Country" or Pais Vascos. There is also a considerable Basque Diaspora, particularly in Latin America and the USA. The Basques are widely considered to be one of the oldest ethnic groups in Europe and of possible Stone Age origin. They were certainly encountered by the Romans, and there is evidence that their language and culture was once more widely spread in areas such as Aquitaine/Gascony and parts south of Navarre.

BASQUE HISTORY
Irargi, Basque Country Documentary Heritage Centre

This is part of the offical site of the Basque government and is presented in Basque, Spanish, English and French. This remarkable site is a goldmine for Basque genealogists. It is a collaboration between the government and various dioceses to offer online databases brimming with historical and genealogical information. On the left side of the home page is a list of databases. Those most useful to genealogists are:

Badator
This collection contains over 5 million sheets of information from the 13th-19th centuries. Subjects of both social and political history: All Basque Classes Trades Coporations Administrations May be Searched By Clicking on “Badotor Icon” Select “Simple” or “Advanced” search Fill in appropriate boxes Click “See Result”.

Search Sacramental Records
These are the Sacramental Records of the Dioceses of Bilbao, San Sebastián and Vitoria. They contain baptisms, marriages and deaths. May be Searched By Clicking on “Search Sacramental Records”. Enter Name Diocese Date Municipality Select Baptisms, Marriages, or Deaths Click “See Result”

Salazar and Castro Records Archives
This collection of Mr. Luis de Salazar y Castro is considered one of the genealogical treasures of the 18th century. It contains over 60,000 entries. Its index alone covers 49 volumes. Subjects covered; Country’s main families Governmental institutions Basques who served the monarchy from the 15th to the 18th centuries. May be Searched by: Clicking on search Salazar Records Icon Enter Years Between –And Enter Event Click “See Result”.

Websites
Sistena Nacional de Archivos de Euskadi (EASN/SNAE) Irargi Euskal Kultura Basque Genealogy Resources. Basque Museum –Boise Idaho