''Goldenseal'' is a quarterly magazine devoted to

West Virginia West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian, Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States.The Census Bureau and the Association of American Geographers classify West Virginia as part of the Southern United States while the Bur ...

traditional life, published by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History in

Mission

''Goldenseal'' documents the state's cultural background and recent history through oral accounts, research articles, and old and new photographs. Subjects covered include labor history, folklore, music, farming, religion, traditional crafts, food, and politics. Pre-20th century history is rarely covered, however. Roughly 70% of the readers are in-state – most of the remainder are former West Virginia residents or frequent visitors.Contributor Guidelines
West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, August 2017. Accessed April 17, 2019. The purpose of the magazine is to "serve not only as a device to preserve many aspects of the state's traditional life, but also as a means of communication for students and enthusiasts of West Virginia's folklife."
West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History. Accessed April 17, 2019. ''Goldenseal'' takes its name from the

medicinal herb Medicinal plants, also called medicinal herbs, have been discovered and used in traditional medicine practices since prehistoric times. Plants synthesize hundreds of chemical compounds for various functions, including defense and protection ag ...

, also called yellow root, among other names, which grows in the state.

History

The first issue of ''Goldenseal'' was published in April 1975 by the West Virginia Department of Commerce and the Arts and Humanities Council, with Tom Screven as editor. It built on a predecessor, ''Hearth & Fair,'' also published by the West Virginia Department of Commerce, which had been founded in 1973 to promote activities and spread information concerning the Mountain State Art & Craft Fair, held annually at the Cedar Lakes Conference Center, located near

Ripley Ripley may refer to: People and characters * Ripley (name) * ''Ripley'', the test mannequin aboard the first International Space Station space station Dragon 2 space test flight Crew Dragon Demo-1 * Ellen Ripley, a fictional character from the Ali ...

, Jackson County. Seven issues of the earlier publication had been produced, starting with an eight-page edition and ending with a sophisticated 44-page journal. In July 1977, responsibility for publication was shifted to the new Department of Culture and History, now known as the Department of Arts, Culture and History. Initially the magazine was distributed for free, with the state providing funding. The first edition amounted to a few hundred, but it expanded to more than 30,000 readers at its peak. The number of pages also increased from 40 to 72 pages by July 1979 to its current 88 pages today. In fall 1981, voluntary subscription payments were introduced, and by 1995, the magazine was entirely self-supporting. Today magazine sales are the sole revenue. As of 2022, there are around 5,200 paid subscribers, and about 1,800 copies per issue are sold at newsstands and through the ''Goldenseal'' office at 304-558-0220. In 2022, ''Goldenseal'' and ''

Mountain Stage ''Mountain Stage'' is a two-hour music radio show, first aired in 1983, produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting and distributed worldwide by National Public Radio (NPR). Hosted by Larry Groce from the show's inception until 2021 and current ...

'' received the

Vandalia Award The Vandalia Gathering is a popular festival devoted to old-time and bluegrass music, as well as related arts such as dance, quilt making, and cooking, which takes place each summer on the state capitol grounds in Charleston, West Virginia, Unit ...

, West Virginia's highest folklife honor. The individuals, organizations, and publications that receive this award "embody the spirit of West Virginia's folk heritage and are recognized for their lifetime contribution to West Virginia and its traditional culture."

References

{{Reflist History magazines published in the United States Lifestyle magazines published in the United States Quarterly magazines published in the United States English-language magazines Local interest magazines published in the United States Magazines established in 1975 Magazines published in Virginia West Virginia culture West Virginia folklore Works about Appalachia