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 safety recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and consult with our state and regional health officials in order to take appropriate actions as necessary. We appreciate your patience as we continue to monitor the evolving guidelines as they apply to our events.

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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