Exploring the Power of Storytelling 

Sharing the stage with his host, storyteller Tim Tingle, MacDonald tells the fascinating story of his military service in World War II, when he was part of an elite team of communications experts for the Marine Corps known as the Navajo Code Talkers. By developing and using a highly sophisticated code based on Navajo language, the Code Talkers saved hundreds of thousands of American lives in the Pacific Ocean Theater.

Storyteller Sheila Arnold brings to life true tales from the Underground Railroad. This special performance, recorded live at the National Storytelling Festival, is part of our “Freedom Stories” initiative, focusing on the stories of African Americans in Appalachian history.