The Madog Center for Welsh Studies at the University of Rio Grande is an outgrowth of the North American Association for the Study of Welsh Culture and History (NAASWCH). The first conference was held at Rio Grande in 1995 with the generous support from the National Welsh-American Foundation, the Welsh National Gymanfa Ganu Association, other Welsh donors, the Ohio Humanities Council, and the University of Rio Grande. Established by the University of Rio Grande Board of Trustees in June 1996, the Center moved to its permanent location in the Elizabeth F. Davis House on October 19th, 2002.

Located in the midst of one of the largest Welsh-American settlements in North America, the Madog Center for Welsh Studies has established a Resource Center which helps to support its mission. In this endeavor, the Center is unique in the United States and Canada.

The mission of the Madog Center for Welsh Studies at the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College is to foster understanding and appreciation for Welsh heritage and contemporary Welsh culture.