Country Music Foundation Inc

The Country Music Foundation (CMF), established in 1964, is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich history and traditions of country music. It operates as a local history museum and an international arts organization.

CMF serves a diverse audience including families, students, scholars, music industry professionals, and the general public both locally in Nashville and globally.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Central to CMF's mission is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which opened on April 1, 1967, on Music Row in Nashville. This institution is the world's largest repository of country music artifacts.

The collection includes moving images, photographs, sound recordings, oral history interviews, stage costumes, musical instruments, posters, and printed materials chronicling the lives and careers of musicians and industry figures.

Facilities and Exhibits

In 2001, the museum relocated to a new 140,000-square-foot facility in downtown Nashville, enhancing its capacity to showcase its extensive collection and host exhibitions.

The permanent exhibit, "Sing Me Back Home," traces country music's history from its folk origins to its current popularity, immersing visitors in the sounds and stories of the genre.

Educational Programs

CMF offers a range of educational programs aimed at engaging audiences of all ages. These include school visits, outreach initiatives, and distance learning opportunities to assist educators with curriculum standards.

In 2018, the museum delivered over 1,450 educational programs, reaching nearly 40,000 students throughout Tennessee.

Additional Operations

CMF operates Historic RCA Studio B, a renowned recording studio significant in country music history. The organization also manages Hatch Show Print, one of the oldest continuously operated letterpress print shops in the U.S.

Hatch Show Print has produced iconic posters for the music industry since 1879.

Locations

• Nashville, TN, USA - Headquarters and main museum facilities located in downtown Nashville.

Legacy and Mission

Through its museum, library, publications, and educational programs, the Country Music Foundation continues to advocate for country music's significance in American popular culture.

It ensures that the genre's history and traditions are preserved and celebrated for future generations.