“Liberty March: On the Trail with the Overmountain Men”
with Tim Lowry
November 2-6, 2026
Fifth grade teachers SAVE THE DATE to bring your students to the Kids Storytelling Institute at the International Storytelling Center this November.
The Kids Storytelling Institute is a story-based learning initiative that aligns the Tennessee State Board of Education Academic Standards with immersive live storytelling performances, creating a unique educational experience for both teachers and students. Through the generosity of the Katherine Davis Moore and Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Davis Foundation Fund at the East Tennessee Foundation, along with support from Mary Brugh, the program is offered at NO COST to fifth-grade students throughout the region, ensuring that schools can participate regardless of financial resources.
Teachers can choose between two (2) sessions each day, beginning at 9 am and 11:30 am, and there is space available at the Center for brown bag lunches if needed.
2026 Program Description
When a defense against the tyranny of England was required, patriots in Charleston, SC joined the fight in a battle that became the stuff of legend even before the cannons had cooled. The stories that have come trickling into the backcountry concerning these events are entertaining to be sure, but they seem almost like fairy tales from a far away land. The mountaineers of Tennessee and Kentucky have little in common with the wealthy planters in the flatlands along the coast. Interesting stories, but nothing to get too worked up about.
However, the British have managed to take back the entire city of Charleston and are now swarming all over the Carolinas. It is rumored that the redcoats are marching into the backcountry and a call to arms has been raised. Folks in the frontier are beginning to realize that for all their differences, the various peoples of these United States of America share a fierce
love for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
With a well-worn copy of the Declaration of Independence in one hand and a long rifle in the other, frontiersmen have pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor in defense of freedom and if necessary they will sign that oath with their own blood.
This show will specifically address the following Social Studies Standards:
- 5.30 Explain the significance of the Watauga Settlement on Tennessee history, including the following: Watauga Compact, Dragging Canoe, John Sevier, and Nancy Ward.
- 5.32 Explain the importance of Tennesseans (i.e., Overmountain Men) in the Battle of Kings Mountain during the American Revolution.
Pre-Show Supplement
A video link to both a dramatic retelling of the story of “The Battle of Fort Sullivan” and a documentary style short film on the same subject with a one-page discussion sheet facilitating a contrast/compare discussion on the differences between coastal Carolina and Tennessee mountain topography, climate, natural resources, way of life, and culture during the time of the American Revolution. This activity will “set the students up” to fully appreciate the live storytelling show they will see at the ISC and will specifically address the following ELA Standards:
- 5.RL.CS.6 Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described.
- 5.RL.KID.3 Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in a text.
A handout quoting several examples of figurative language from the show with exercises designed to help students learn the derivation of colloquial sayings from coastal Carolina and Tennessee. This handout will address the following ELA Standard:
- 5. FL.VA.7b Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
i. Interpret figurative language, including similes and metaphors, in context.
ii. Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms and proverbs.
iii. Use the relationship between particular words to better understand each of the words.
A handout in which students match stories that they heard from the show with concepts that are delineated in the Declaration of Independence. This handout will address the following ELA Standards:
- 5.RL.KID.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a story, drama, or poem and explain how it is conveyed through details in the text; summarize the text.
- 5.SL.CC.3 Summarize the points a speaker makes and explain how each claim is supported by reasons and evidence.
A handout referring to a game the audience played during the show and prompting the students to write the story of the Battle of Kings Mountain from the British point of view. This handout will address the following ELA Standards:
- 5.RL.CS.6 Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described.
- 5.RI.CS.6 Analyze the similarities and differences in points of view of multiple accounts of the same event or topic.
Storyteller Tim Lowry
Storyteller Tim Lowry replaces the top hat and tails of an old-fashioned showman with a seersucker suit, mixing personal narratives, folk tales, tall tales, and American history with a distinctively Southern flavor. Lowry’s signature style has earned an Oracle Award from the National Storytelling Network and Artist of the Year from Azalea Magazine. He has produced several award-winning recordings and received top honors from Storytelling World for his book, Haunted by Dickens. Tim is continually on the road performing at festivals, schools, libraries, and corporate events across the country.
From the time he took to the stage, Tim Lowry claimed the full attention of his audience. They followed him wherever he was performing. They loved Tim’s style, his humor, his material, and the man himself. – Connecticut Storytelling Festival
Visit Tim’s website.
This program was made possible in part by support from the East Tennessee Foundation.
In Association with the Smithsonian Institute
Download the program flyer below
Space is limited and reservations are required. To register, fill out and submit the registration form below. For questions, contact Emily Katt at emily@storytellingcenter.net or call us at (423) 753-2171.
Registration Form
Kids Storytelling Institute
Provide the following information and a registration coordinator will be in touch to schedule your classroom's visit to the International Storytelling Center's Kids Institute.