Center for Western North American Studies.

The Center for Western North American Studies was established in 1963 to develop a program to collect documentary materials and promote regional research. The Center was placed at the Desert Research Institute for administrative purposes, and an ad-hoc Executive Board was established to develop policy. Warren d'Azevedo served as first chairman, followed by Elmer Rusco in 1966. In 1964, Jack D. Forbes was appointed acting director, followed by Robert L. Stephenson; Don D. Fowler was appointed permanent director in 1968. Several programs and projects were established, including an oral history project, and Basque studies program.