The Archive of Folk Music was established in the late 1940s as a platform dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional folk music from various cultures. Founded by ethnomusicologists and folk enthusiasts, the label aimed to document and share the rich tapestry of folk traditions, often collaborating with field researchers to capture authentic performances. Notable eras for the label include the folk revival of the 1960s, which saw increased interest in traditional music, leading to the release of significant recordings by key artists such as Pete Seeger and Joan Baez. The label's diverse catalog spans genres, including American folk, world music, and blues, reflecting the global nature of folk traditions. The Archive of Folk Music's legacy lies in its commitment to cultural preservation and education, influencing subsequent generations of musicians and scholars, and contributing to the broader folk music movement. Its recordings remain a vital resource for understanding the evolution of folk music.