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.

Learn More

Featured Event

From Coast to Coast

November 23, 2019

A celebrated guitarist, singer, songwriter, and storyteller originally from Kyoto, Japan, Hiroya Tsukamoto has performed his unique combination of music and stories across the U.S. and abroad.

Featured Event

Winter Blunderland

December 5-7, 2019

The Uncalled for Trio is back with a brand new set of holiday stories and songs – a beloved ISC tradition for the last decade.

Holiday Show

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.

November 11-15, 2019

2019 Kids Storytelling Institute

5^th Grade Teachers! Save the date to bring your students to the Kids Storytelling Institute with storyteller Tim Lowry.

This new initiative pairs up common core curriculum with an immersive arts experience to create a unique educational opportunity for teachers and students.

January 17-18, 2020

Lyrics & Lore

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…

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...

News September 25, 2019

An Insider’s Guide to the National Storytelling Festival

We can’t wait to welcome you to the 47th annual National Storytelling Festival...

News August 19, 2019

International Storytelling Center Receives Major Grant to Highlight African American Heritage of Appalachia

(Jonesborough, Tenn.) – The International Storytelling Center (ISC), home to the world-renowned 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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