The Dorothy Bicandi Aldecoa Community History Project began when the family of Dorothy decided to donate funds from her estate to the Basque Museum & Cultural Center in her name. Dorothy had been a long-time volunteer and generous supporter of the Museum. She also loved history and people, and what better way to continue her legacy than with a project specific to that. The Dorothy Bicandi Aldecoa Community History Team, lead by Patty Miller and includes Toni Berria, Connie Urresti, and John Urresti with assistance by Carolyn Ruby, works to document history of the Basques, by community, throughout the West. This is being done by collecting information through research including church, city and state records and archives, but also by meeting with the Basque families in each community, interviewing them and assisting them in telling their own stories. They often share photographs, letters, and many other documents to assist in these efforts. The Basque Museum & Cultural Center is grateful for the family and legacy of Dorothy Bicandi Aldecoa for allowing us to create this project, but also to each family member and community that has allowed us into their lives for a short time to tell the unique stories and share them with the world.
