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 Complex.

 Our upcoming activities suit many interests, and our past activities are a testimony of the rich cultural heritage of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Our 20th 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.
In the fall of 2014, we celebrated with some awesome activities!

• May 2018 newsletter (2.1 MB Adobe Reader file)

• SCHF Event Calendar

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

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

• Announcing “Southern Exposure,” An All-Day Summer Camp. The camp will be held during eight weeks of the summer, from June 4 to July 27, 2018 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is open to kids ages 6-13. Early drop-off starts at 7:30 a.m. and pick-up is available through 5:15 p.m. The registration fee is $100 per child for each week. This fee includes a $25 non-refundable fee, which is due two weeks prior to each week attending. The fee includes all supplies and a daily snack. Kids are asked to bring their own 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. Experienced and accredited educator, Karen Biedenharn, will plan and oversee all aspects of the camp. Each week of camp will have a different theme! More.
  Space is limited reservations are required. Remember, reservations should be made two weeks prior to each week attending. For more information or to register, call the Southern Cultural Heritage Center business office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Application Form. Press release.

• The first ever “Star Spangled Night Run in Vicksburg,” June 30, 2018, A 5K Night Run/Walk through downtown Vicksburg. Come join us and light up the night in this unique event which will include a 5K run and a 5K walk “at night” through downtown Vicksburg. It will begin and end at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center. The entry fees are $30 Individual, $15 Kids Registration (12 & under), and $120 Corporate/Civic Club Team Pre-race fee (3-5 members) through June 15th. Late fees will apply after June 15th. The first 200 registered participants will be guaranteed either a Light up The Night Tank or T-shirt. Included in the swag bag will also be race bib, a glow item, and specialty items from local sponsors. Early registration is strongly encouraged to secure a place at the event. Entry forms and complete event details are available here: Entry Form Trifold. Entry forms and fees can be dropped off at SCHF Business Office, 601 Sports or mailed to SCHF, 1302 Adams Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180. Race packet pick-up will be June 29th at the SCHF Auditorium (corner of Crawford and Cherry Streets) from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and also before the race at the race site starting at 6 p.m.
  After you cross the finish line, the party begins in the SCHC Courtyard! There will be food, drinks, live music, and fun for all! We will light up the night just in time for Independence Day! For entrance into the after party and free food and drink; runners and walkers should show their race bib and volunteers should wear their Light Up The Night T-shirt. All others can pay $5 for entrance into the party and free beer. There will be additional food and drink available for purchase. The run has acquired some very generous financial sponsors. Gold Sponsor is Lady Luck Casino; Silver Sponsor is WaterView Casino; Bronze Sponsor is May & Company; Additional sponsor is Fleet Feet Sports. For more information, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release. More.

• “More Than a Painting” Art Classes with Nancy Mitchell - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 from 9 a.m.–noon (Facebook event page) and Thursday, May 31, 2018 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Facebook event page). It's finally Spring!! Come paint with Nancy Mitchell in the Impressionism style of Alfred Sisley! He painted “A May Morning in Moret” and so will you! In addition to artist facts and a touch of art history throughout the lesson, students receive a handout on the artist. The students leave with a finished art piece to hang in their home at the end of their class. Classes suit both artists and beginners. Nancy Mitchell believes anyone can learn to draw and be creative. However, in today’s world not many people have time for weekly art classes. This class is based on a painting she designs to mimic the style of a renowned artist. The step-by-step process enables each student to recreate the painting, adding their personal style. Students also learn basics about composition and color mixing. Registration is $40/SCHF Members and $45/Non-Members (includes all supplies) for each class. For reservations or more information, please contact the SCHF office at 601.631.2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release.

• The annual Vicksburg Multicultural Arts Camp for Kids, June 18-22, 2018 from 8 a.m.-noon for ages 6-12. The registration fee is $60 per child, and includes all supplies, materials, and a daily snack. During this unique camp, children discover the art, dance, music and cuisine of three different cultures. By studying cultural differences and similarities through the arts, students will learn new artistic techniques while developing an appreciation for the traditions and customs of others. This year we are pleased to welcome Karen Biedenharn, art instructor, and Eleana Davis, music teacher. The camp will culminate with a public performance and exhibit on the last day in the SCHF Auditorium. Space is limited to 60 students and reservations are required. For more information or to register, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release. Facebook event page.

• “Kids in the Kitchen” June Summer Camps, two different sessions June 25-29, 2018, led by Margie Heltzel at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center:
  “Disney Delights,” from 8:30-11:30 a.m. for ages 4-8 (Facebook event page),
  “Farm to Table,” from 12:30-3:30 p.m. for ages 8-12 (Facebook event page).
  The registration fee for each class is $125 per child and includes all supplies as well as lots of tasty treats. A full day option is also available. Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information or to register, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release. Two more sessions July 9-13, 2018!

• SCHF Receives Mississippi Arts Commission Grant. The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation has been awarded a $12,000 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). Press release. More.

• Vicksburg Slam, Vicksburg's FIRST & ONLY Circuit Race Program
  Dedicated to the success and enjoyment of the three signature Vicksburg Races: 10th Annual Chill in the Hills, January 13, 2018; 39th Annual Run Thru History, March 3, 2018; 29th-Annual Over the River Run, October 13, 2018. Be a member of the Vicksburg Slam and qualify for cash prizes after participation in all THREE races! Vicksburg Slam is made possible by partnerships of Grace Christian Counseling Center, Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation, and the YMCA. For more info, go to the the Vicksburg Slam Facebook page.

• SCH Auditorium Exterior Project & Stabilization project: $4,775 STILL NEEDED!
  This project is made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Department of Archives & History of $150,000 with required matching funds of $38,000.
  We have raised $33,225 toward the $38,000 needed for the matching funds. Because we have yet to raise the remaining funds, we are forced to use our general fund.
  We are STILL accepting contributions toward this project. REMEMBER: contributions of $50/or more will be listed on a plaque that will be permanently located in the foyer of the Historic Auditorium
  Check out photos of the progress...
  Checks need to made out to the SCHF (write MDAH grant in the memo of your check) and send to 1302 Adams Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180. Your donation is tax deductible.

• The SCHF needs your help!!!
  As with old buildings/structures, there is always something that needs repairing. That being said, the SCHF is in desperate need of your help!!!  Because of the age of the water pipes underground of the cultural center, there have been several leaks discovered.  The repair cost is estimated at $13,000.  This was a very much unexpected problem.
  If you would like to assist financially with this issue, checks need to made payable to the SCHF (write “Water Leak” in the memo of your check) and send to 1302 Adams Street, Vicksburg, MS   39180.  Your donation is fully tax deductible.
  We so appreciate your support!!!!!!

• More activities...

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

• Guitar & Ukulele Lessons. Richard McComas, SCHF guitar instructor, has some openings for guitar lessons. If you are interested or would like more information, please call 601-529-6505. (Inquire about special discounts for SCHF Members.)

• Violin Lessons. The SCHF is now offering 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.

• 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