Madog Center for Welsh Studies Celebrates Growth, Partnerships, and Cultural Achievements
The Madog Center for Welsh Studies at University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College is celebrating a remarkable year of growth and achievement, marked by expanded educational programming, cultural preservation efforts, new partnerships, and increased engagement with Welsh communities across North America.
The Madog Center serves as North America's leading university-based center dedicated to the promotion of Welsh language, history, and culture.
Welsh Language Residential Week
In July, Rio welcomed participants to “Cwrs Cymraeg Bryn Dderw 2026,” a week-long Welsh language immersion program held on the University of Rio Grande campus.
The program brought together 43 learners representing 24 U.S. states, along with four tutors and a dedicated team of volunteers. Courses were offered at four proficiency levels aligned with the Dysgu Cymraeg curriculum of the National Centre for Learning Welsh.
The program was held in conjunction with Madog Center and Cymdeithas Madog, The Welsh Studies Institute in North America,
Daily presentations explored topics ranging from Wales's national museums and the National Library of Wales to Welsh Patagonia and the Welsh settlements of Jackson and Gallia counties.
A highlight of the week was a tour of the Welsh Scenic Byway, featuring visits to the Welsh-American Heritage Museum, Bob Evans Homestead, Lillian E. Jones Museum, and the Madog Center.
Evening activities included a welcome reception, quiz night, Welsh film screenings, games, a traditional twmpath, the annual Eisteddfod, and a memorable Noson Lawen celebration of music, poetry, art, and performance.
New Partnership with Cymdeithas Madog
The Madog Center and Cymdeithas Madog announced a new partnership that will take effect in January 2027.
Both organizations will continue operating independently while building on their shared mission of promoting Welsh language and culture throughout North America.
Under the agreement, most of Cymdeithas Madog's program functions will transition to the Madog Center, which will organize the annual summer Cwrs Cymraeg, Cwrs Rhith, and Siop Siarad, while also producing newsletters and handling publicity. Cymdeithas Madog will remain the official sponsor of these activities and will continue providing scholarships to language learners.
The partnership formalizes a strong working relationship and positions both organizations to expand their impact in the years ahead.
Historic Welsh-American Heritage Museum Reopens
One of the year's most significant achievements was the reopening of the Welsh-American Heritage Museum in Oak Hill, one of North America's oldest Welsh museums.
The project followed more than $500,000 in investments, including $400,000 from the Ohio Department of Development's Appalachian Community Grant Program and an additional $100,000 contribution from museum founder Evan E. Davis.
The extensive renovation included a new roof, HVAC installation, exterior masonry restoration, landscaping improvements, repairs to the historic belfry, installation of a steeple for the first time in nearly 100 years, upgraded bathrooms and electrical systems, restoration of windows and doors, and enhancements to public spaces and exhibits.
While the museum operates independently under its own board of trustees, the Madog Center continues to support general activities and operations at the historic institution.
Faculty Fellow Conducts Research in Wales
The Madog Center also supported international scholarship this year by sponsoring Faculty Fellow Dr. Kay-Anne Darlington on a research trip to Wales. The experience strengthens the Center's academic connections with Wales and contributes to ongoing research and educational opportunities for students and faculty at Rio.
Welsh Day Camps Inspire the Next Generation
The Madog Center also hosted Welsh day camps for local children. Participants enjoyed hands-on experiences in Welsh folk dancing, Welsh language learning, singing, crafts, and traditional games.
The camps were offered free of charge thanks to the generous support of the Welsh Women's Clubs of America. Building on the success of this year's program, the Center hopes to expand the initiative in 2027 by adding additional locations and reaching even more young people.
Welsh Language Enrollment Doubles
Interest in Welsh language learning continues to grow across North America.
Since launching weekly non-credit Welsh language classes in Fall 2024, enrollment has expanded dramatically. Registration increased from 21 students in Fall 2025 to 46 students in Fall 2026, more than doubling in just one year.
Students now participate from 19 U.S. states, two Canadian provinces, and Mexico.
In addition to weekly classes, the Madog Center offers a monthly Welsh-language book club, a postcard club, and a weekly conversation group that provides learners with additional opportunities to practice and build community.
To support younger learners, the Center also established a scholarship program allowing individuals under age 25 to participate in Welsh language classes free of charge.