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

• What fun events or workshops would you like to attend at SCHC? Click here and tell us!!!

• 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 November 2025, practices will be Monday night, November 3, 10, & 27, starting at 5:30 p.m. From 5:30 to 6:15 pm, we will focus on Beginner Dances/Warm-Up. From 6:15 to 7:00 pm, we will move into more Intermediate/Advanced Dances, and we will do party dances from 7:00-7:30 pm. 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 starting back September 17! 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.

• 18th-Annual Classics in the Courtyard, offers a variety of entertainment through different genres of classic music. Local entertainers and local restaurants will provide the music and lunch on Fridays from 12-1 p.m. beginning October 17th and concluding November 7th. The entertainment is provided for free and lunch can be purchased for $18 per person or $15 for SCHF Members. Reservations are required for lunch and must be made by 5 p.m. on the Thursday before the event. There is no better beginning to the fall season than “Classics in the Courtyard”. For more information or to make a reservation, call the Southern Cultural Heritage Center business office at 601-631-2997, Eventbrite.com, or email info@southernculture.org. The schedule of entertainment and lunch providers are listed below:
  Friday, November 7: Performed by Julie & John; Lunch provided by Brick Street Market. Facebook event. 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. Press release.

• Southern Book Club, November 19, 2025 at 6 p.m. The Southern Book Club meets the third Wednesday of each month. November’s pick is Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro Memoirs by Beth Ann Fennelly. 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” Fall Mini Camp, November 24-26, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The camp is open to kids ages 4-11. And the registration fee is $90 per child for the week and includes all supplies and a daily snack (this fee includes a $25 non-refundable fee to hold your spot). Kids are asked to bring their lunch.
  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 activities. The children will perform improvisation throughout the week to their peers. Experienced and accredited educators, Karen and Herman Biedenharn will plan and oversee all aspects of the camp.
  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. Facebook event.

• 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