Blog

The McKinney Center will debut a new play in February that is 250 years in the making. The First and Last Town in Tennessee shares stories from Jonesborough’s past and present to commemorate America’s Semiquincentennial. Written by Program Manager Anne G’Fellers-Mason, the play takes the audience on a journey from 1779, the year of Jonesborough’s founding, to present day.

Nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like chocolate. Jonesborough Chocolate Fest is a must-visit for couples, friends, and families. Downtown merchants fill Main Street with chocolate treats, desserts, and specialty items. Enjoy sampling sweet creations while strolling through historic downtown and soaking in the festive atmosphere. Get your tickets now at jbochocolatefest.com

The award winning StoryTown Radio Show will celebrate 15 years of its popular live production at the McKinney Center with a special Gala performance on January 26th at 7PM.

Santa’s Reindeer Makes a Surprise Visit to Gabriel’s Christmas in Jonesborough Tennessee

Jonesborough, TN – Holiday magic came early this year at Gabriel’s Christmas when an unexpected visitor leapt through the store window last night, a local deer who seemed to mistake the shop for Santa’s workshop.

Tennessee’s oldest town, Jonesborough, is known for its rich history, charming streets, and storytelling. Below is just one of many true and chilling tales that linger in the crisp fall air of Jonesborough, Tennessee.To hear more, join one of the True and Chilling Tales Tours presented by the Heritage Alliance each October. Tours begin at the Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum.

Trivia with Budds is taking over the StoryTown Radio Show on Monday, July 28th in a special edition. We’ll be talking about “Kitchen Disasters and Culinary Fails” and Quizmaster Ryan Budds will be asking questions from three, themed categories. This is a first for the Radio Show, and you don’t want to miss it. There will be three winners, complete with prizes, so come and try your luck and test your knowledge.

It was 2016, or thereabouts, when I first ran across information about Officer James Hood and his murder in August of 1928. I was working for the Heritage Alliance at the time and actively doing museum theatre. I was working on a play about another mysterious murder from Jonesborough’s past, and I mentioned Officer Hood’s death to my director. She told me I’d have to wait on that one. It was too soon to bring that story up again because of the hurt feelings that lingered. That of course made me want to know more.

Downtown Jonesborough is coming alive with color, charm, and countless ways to enjoy the Spring season. Whether you're sipping a cup of locally brewed coffee on a patio on Main Street, browsing cheerful spring décor in quaint shops, or strolling through one of our beautiful local parks, spring is the perfect time to explore all that our historic town has to offer. Here are just a few ways to soak up the sunshine and make the most of spring in Downtown Jonesborough.

Take part in the art of story sharing and active listening on March 25th when Listening Day returns. The McKinney Center and StoryTown will be hosting a Listening Day on Tuesday, March 25th from 9:00 am-12:00 pm at the Jonesborough Senior Center. Area residents are encouraged to come and share personal stories about moving to Jonesborough, immigrating to the United States, service stories from the Armed Forces, humorous tales about miscommunication, and cooking adventures gone wrong.