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.

[1] 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.

[2] 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, Jackson County.