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."

Our physical location is temporarily closed until further notice. The health and safety of our visitors and staff is our top priority. While closed, our mission of improving lives through storytelling endures, and we are working on digital performances, interviews, educational content, and other programs. Visit our Stories page, listen to our StoryVault podcast, watch our You Tube videos from past festivals, and continue to tune in.

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

Learn More

Resources

Learning Library

The International Storytelling Center is dedicated to providing resources in our digital “Learning Library,” with links to storytelling tools, live recordings from the National Storytelling Festival for all ages, and free weekly lesson plans for teachers and parents, ideal for grades K-8.

Featured Event

Storytelling Live!

July-December

Season tickets are on sale now! Our signature concert series, Storytelling Live! is a six-month showcase of the nation’s top storytelling talent. Season tickets include admission to 26 matinee performance, one each week, from June through November – a 52% savings over regular adult admission!

Blog April 2, 2020

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

Learning Library

Storytelling Live!

Step One: Wash the Dishes

Need a bedtime story?

Stories in Motion: The Sound of Silence