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 life, a better world, through the power of storytelling.

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Job Posting

We're Hiring!

December 31, 2019

ISC is seeking a Public Humanities Coordinator for our Freedom Stories project, a new initiative made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Learn More.

Featured Event

Lyrics and Lore

January 17-18, 2020

Lyrics & Lore was designed so that any individual can experience songwriting and storytelling! Join us along with the Dollywood Entertainment team and BandTwango as we bring together the beauty and inspiration of songs and stories to Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort. Featuring storytellers Andy Offutt Irwin and Geraldine Buckley + hit songwriters Deana Carter, Beth Nielsen Chapman and more…

Holiday Concert

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol

Friday, December 13

Join Lowry for his beloved show, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, as he brings to life the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future along with Ebeneezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim. Ages 10 and up. Refreshments follow the show.

Holiday Concert

The Uncalled for Trio

December 5-7

The Uncalled for Trio (Bil Lepp, Andy Offutt Irwin, and Kim Weitkamp) is back with a brand new set of holiday stories and songs. Refreshments follow the show. Reservations strongly recommended.

News December 12, 2019

Still looking for a great gift?

Here’s a list of ten gifts for the storyteller and listener in your...

News December 3, 2019

International Storytelling Center Seeks Public Humanities Coordinator for Freedom Stories

Freedom Stories is a new initiative from the International Storytelling Center (ISC), in...

News October 31, 2019

Two Exclusive ISC Concerts You Won’t Want to Miss

A few weeks after the conclusion of another great year of the National...

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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.

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