The International Storytelling Center

Building a Better World
Through Stories.

- Boston Globe

"The small audience hangs on every word,
sound, and gesture of the storyteller on stage.
Under her spell, we wait, gasp, and exhale as one."

- Smithsonian

“From all over America,
people came to Jonesborough
just to hear stories. ”

- New York Times

“…where thousands of the faithful
gather to take part in one of
humankind's most satisfying rites. ”

- Los Angeles Times

“For what New Orleans is to jazz. . .
Jonesborough is to storytelling. ”

- The Boston Globe

“[Lepp] goes for the funny bone.
He stuffs his hands in his pockets
and leans back as he nonchalantly
lets drop the zinger to his tale. ”

- U.S. News and World Report

“The old-fashioned art of storytelling
has become a 21st century sensation. ”

"Building a Better World Through Stories."

We believe in a better world through the power of storytelling.

Learn More

The International Storytelling Center is open and we look forward to welcoming you back! The safety and well-being of our guests and employees remain our top priority and continue to guide our decisions. During this transitional time, we will monitor the latest regulations and safety guidelines as released by state and regional health officials and agencies as well as expert consultants, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and will take appropriate actions as necessary. We appreciate your patience as we continue to monitor the evolving CDC Guidelines as they apply to our events.

Featured Virtual Event

National Storytelling Festival

October 1-2, 2021

We are presenting a virtual National Storytelling Festival this October so you can still experience the world-class storytelling you have come to know and love from the comfort of your home. You can enjoy 20+ hours of storytelling over Festival weekend with continued viewing access for 14 days following the final show.

Click here to learn more about the Virtual National Storytelling Festival!

Featured Event

Registration Now Open!

September 12, 2021

The Young Appalachian Storytelling Summit is a young adult-led event that focuses on a critical issue: how young adults can use storytelling as a leadership tool to create Appalachia’s future. Summit participants have the opportunity to hear from diverse voices within Appalachia; to understand how storytelling can help them take action in their own communities; and to join a network of like-minded young Appalachians to collaborate with beyond the event. The September 12, 2021 Summit, Crossroads, will focus on the intersections of who we are and how we engage our voices with the wider community. The Summit will include workshops, networking, story circles, and a panel discussion to empower young adults to share their voices with their wider communities and help shape Appalachia’s future. The Summit is open to anyone in the ARC’s 13-state Appalachian region.

Blog June 2, 2021

Visit Us

The International Storytelling Center (ISC) is located in the heart of downtown Jonesborough. The ISC campus consists of the historic Chester Inn, the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall, the ISC gift shop, and the Jimmy Neil Smith Storytelling Park.

Get Directions

We believe in a better world through the power of storytelling.

National Storytelling Festival

Registration Now Open!

Good Leaders Are Good Listeners

How I Learned to Love the Royals

International Storytelling Center Hosts New Freedom Stories Toolkit, Discussion

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