The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the diverse cultural heritage of Vicksburg, Mississippi, the Mississippi Delta, and the American South. The Foundation works to achieve its goals by creating and hosting cultural activities at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center.

Celebrating Our 30th Anniversary! In 1994, the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation was formed to preserve these historic buildings and to direct their transformation into a cultural center. Twenty years of carrying on our mission: emphasizing the humanities and the arts, providing unique and quality programming for free or at low cost to the Vicksburg community. We celebrated 30 years on November 23, 2024. “The Landy Teller Champion for Culture & the Arts Award” for 2024 was presented at the SCHF 30th Anniversary Celebration to Landy’s son, Blake Teller! Vicksburg Post Outlook article.

• SCHF Event Calendar

• More! Activities Log of all current and past years' activities.

• The Southern Cultural Center is a GREAT venue for Rentals!

• All Eventbrite SCHF Activities.

• Facebook Events Page (must sign into Facebook to view)

• If donating items rather than money is more your jam, we have an Amazon Wish List! Thank y’all for all the support!

• Our 2024 & 2025 Activities suit many interests, and our 1999-2023 Activities are a testimony of the rich cultural heritage of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

• We're hiring!
  Maintenance Worker: This part-time position will do light maintenance/cleaning and help with setup and breakdown of events.
  To apply, please call 601-631-2997 or email stacey@southernculture.org.

• Line Dance Practices in the SCHC Academy Dance Room. For April 2025, practices will be every Monday night at 5:30 p.m. From 5:30 to 6:15 pm, we will focus on Beginner Dances/Warm-Up. From 6:15 to 7:30 pm, we will move into more Intermediate/Advanced Dances. The upcoming schedule is April 7, 14, & 28. Admission is $5/person.
  For more information call the Southern Cultural Heritage Center business office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

• Salsa & Bachata Lessons at SCHC Wednesday nights! New combos each week! No partner required!
  6:30-7:15 p.m. Salsa
  7:15-8 p.m. Bachata
  $5/one lesson and $10/both. Academy Building/Dance Room. For more information call the Southern Cultural Heritage Center business office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

• Southern Book Club, May 21, 2025 at 6 p.m. The Southern Book Club meets the third Wednesday of each month. There is no fee to attend and it is open to the public. For more information or meeting location, please call 601.631.2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

• A “Spring” Classics in the Courtyard, Fabulous Music, Lunch and Fun at Noon at the SCH Center, beginning April 25th and ending May 16th, 2025 from noon - 1 p.m. This event will offer a variety of entertainment through different genres of classic music. Local entertainers and local restaurants will provide the music. The musical entertainment is provided for free and lunch can be purchased for $15 per person, $12/SCHF members. Reservations are required for lunch and must be made by 5 p.m. on the Thursday before the event. To make a reservation for lunch, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release.
  The schedule of entertainment and lunch providers are listed below:
  Friday, April 25: Performed by KEYS VS STRINGS; Lunch provided by Tommy’s BBQ. Facebook event page. Buy tickets.
  Friday, May 2: FRED T & THE BAND; Lunch provided by Goldie’s Express. Facebook event page. Buy tickets.
  Friday, May 9: Performed by BROTHERHOOD; Lunch provided by Billy’s Italian Restaurant. Facebook event page. Buy tickets. 
  Friday, May 16; Performed by HOWL & THE BIG BAD WOLVES; Lunch provided by TBD. Facebook event page. Buy tickets. 
  This wonderful program is also supported in part by funding from the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, and in part, from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, and the generous support of Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation individual and corporate members, the City of Vicksburg, and various appropriations.

• “Basket Weaving 101” with Amy Erwin, Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
  In Basket Weaving 101, you will learn the wonderful and practical art of basket weaving. A 10,500-year-old, perfectly preserved, basket was found in Israel! Our own Native Americans have been making and using baskets for hundreds of years using techniques and fibers passed down through generations. In this first class, learn the basics of basket weaving using the twining technique with round reed. Students will be guided step by step to make a lovely serving tray basket of their very own. Although this class is designed for beginners, basket makers of any level are welcome. Everything you need for your basket will be provided. This class will be held in the SCHC Academy building. The fee is $45/person, but only $40/SCHF Members and includes all supplies.
  Space is limited and reservations are required. To register, go to Eventbrite.com or call 601-631.2997. Press release. Facebook event. Buy tickets.

• Mudbug Music Fest, May 3, 2025 from 3-7 p.m. Save the date!

• Southern Book Club, May 21, 2025 at 6 p.m. The Southern Book Club meets the third Wednesday of each month. There is no fee to attend and it is open to the public. For more information or meeting location, please call 601.631.2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

• Southern Exposure Summer Camp, for nine weeks, May 27-July 25, 2025!
  The camp hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Early drop-off is available at 7:30 a.m. and pick-up through 5:15 p.m.) The camp is open to kids ages 4-11. And the registration fee is $125 per child for each week, or $115 per child for two or more children. The fee includes all supplies and a daily snack. Kids are asked to bring their lunch.
  SCHF has full day activities for your child all summer long! During this camp, children will be “exercising mind, body, and soul” as they utilize the gymnasium, art classrooms, auditorium, gardens, and media room of the SCHC to investigate southern music, gardening, art, manners, and other camp-like games and activities. Experienced and accredited teachers will plan and oversee all aspects of the camp.
  The camp sessions are as follows:
  May 27-30 Facebook event.
  June 2-6 Facebook event.
  June 9-13 Facebook event.
  June 16-20 Facebook event.
  June 23-27 Facebook event.
  June 30 - July 3 (closed on 4th) Facebook event.
  July 7-11 Facebook event.
  July 14-18 Facebook event.
  July 21-25 Facebook event.
  Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information or to register, call the Southern Cultural Heritage Center business office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release.

• Plant Drive! Our gardens are in need of some new plants! We will be taking donations of plants in the month of May! Plants may be dropped off at our office during normal business hours or during any Classics in the Courtyard.

• SCHF Receives Mississippi Arts Commission Grant. The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation has been awarded a $17,600 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This grant is a portion of the $1.65 million in grants MAC awarded in Fiscal Year 2023 and will be used to continue the mission of the SCHF and bring exceptional events and quality programming to the community through artistic excellence. The grants are made possible by continued funding from the Mississippi State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. “We are pleased to provide support to arts organizations throughout the state who inspire and serve their communities every day,” said Sarah Story, executive director of MAC. “These funds will help organizations continue to create innovative exhibitions, performances, and programming for millions of people to enjoy throughout the next year.” More. Press release.

• Violin Lessons: The SCHF offers violin lessons for all ages. Mrs. Ruthanne Schnell has taught for over 25 years. She has trained and studied under many master instructors. She is also able to teach the viola and cello. If you are interested or would like more information, please call 601-383-0796.

• More activities...

• WLBT article, Going back in time with the Sisters of Mercy, February 20, 2009.

• A memorial fund in honor of Mother Clementine Phelan and the Sisters of Mercy has been established by Mrs. Edna Henry Hosemann, Mrs. Elizabeth Henry Nelson and Mr. George Nelson, and Pat and Lance Dichter in honor of their aunt. Press release.

• Looking for that unique gift for that special someone? Consider the special Cultural Center Crosses created by Misty Clendenin. All proceeds go to support the buildings and all programs at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center. The crosses are only $10 each, plus tax.

• The SCHF is an ideal place to hold weddings, receptions, performances, reunions, lectures, and business meetings. Space available for rent include the classrooms in the 1930s Academy Building and the 1880s Auditorium featuring a stage, 24-foot ceilings, and hardwood floors.

• Check out the musical montage of past programs and events held here at the Center, The Southern Cultural Experience at the bottom of this page.

Important Community links...
Vicksburg/Warren Chamber of Commerce
Vicksburg Convention & Visitors Bureau
Vicksburg Main Street
Vicksburg Theatre Guild and Gold in the Hills