Tales & Trails of America's First Frontier

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International Storytelling Center

Some 30 years ago, Jimmy Neil Smith, a local high-school teacher, found himself on a field trip listening to comedic storyteller Jerry Clower on the radio. Equally intrigued by the stories was the carload of students accompanying Smith. Inspired, he came up with the idea to host a “Storytelling Festival” in Jonesborough, Tennessee’s Oldest Town. This idea sparked an international revival of interest in the ancient art of oral storytelling. Today, Jonesborough is home to the International Storytelling Center, while the annual National Storytelling Festival continues to gain acclaim all over the world.

116 West Main Street
Jonesborough, TN 37659-1239
(423) 753-2171 or Toll Free (800) 952-8392
www.storytellingcenter.net