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.

• SCHF Event Calendar

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

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

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

• June/July 2020 newsletter (1.5 MB Adobe Reader file).
  If you would like to discontinue receiving the printed SCHF newsletter and only receive the electronic newsletter, please call 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

• The 32nd Annual Over the River Run is POSTPONED ONE WEEK!!!
  Due to Hurricane Delta approaching the Vicksburg area this Saturday and for the safety of our participants, the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation (SCHF) is postponing the Over the River Run until next Saturday, October 17th at 8am CST. The race begins at the Old Mississippi River Bridge located at I-20 and Washington Street. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but the safety of our participants is our main concern. Press release.
  The 32nd Annual Over the River Run is adding a VIRTUAL option to the race in 2020!
  32nd Annual Over the River Run (2020), Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 8 a.m. CST at the Old Mississippi River Bridge located at I-20 and Washington Street. We are so excited to be able to have this event in person which will include a 5-mile run and a 5-mile walk! If you are not ready for the in-person event, we have you covered! We are offering a virtual choice, as well. There will be two categories for virtual events, a 10K run and a 5K walk. This unique run follows a scenic course heading west across the Mississippi River to Delta, Louisiana and then returns back to the finish line. Due to COVID-19, we will be limiting the number of participants allowed to register. The first 400 registered participants, in-person or virtual, will be guaranteed an awesome DryBlend OTRR Shirt. So, register early!! The entry fee is $30 for the in-person 5-mile race, or the virtual 10K run/5K walk. There is a Family rate of $125 (limit of 5) for the in-person 5-mile race through October 1. Late fees will apply to entries received after October 1st. Early registration is strongly encouraged to secure a place at the event. Entry forms and complete event details are available by visiting southernculture.org. Entry forms and fees can be dropped off at SCHF Business Office or mailed to SCHF, 1302 Adams Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180 or register online at RaceRoster.com. Race packet pick-up will be October 16th at the SCHF Auditorium (corner of Crawford and Cherry Streets) from 3:00-6:00pm CST and also the morning of the race at the race site.
  COVID-19 precautions will be put into place to protect our participants, volunteers, and spectators. We hope everyone appreciates these efforts and follows the guidelines to help protect the well-being of those who are gathering with us! We wish everyone the best and please stay safe!
  The Over the River Run is an extremely important fundraiser for the SCHF and a very special community event. After expenses, proceeds from the race will go toward the rehabilitation of the Southern Cultural Heritage Center and the many maintenance issues of the five historic buildings of the Center.
  For more information, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.
  Facebook event page. Press release. Run-Walk Trifold Entry Form.
  COVID-19 Requirements for Race Day.

• Coming soon:
  October 1, 15, 22, & 29- River Kids After School Art Program
  October 17- Over the River Run
  October 12- SCHF Closed
  October 16, 23, & 30- Classics in the Courtyard
  October 25- "Kids in the Kitchen" Halloween
  November 5, 12, & 19- River Kids After School Art Program
  November 6- Classics in the Courtyard
  November 13- SCHF Annual Meeting
  November 25-27- SCHF Closed
  December 3- River Kids Exhibit Day
  December 6- "Kids in the Kitchen" Christmas

• SCHF Receives Mississippi Humanities Council CARES Emergency Gant, September 25, 2020. The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation (SCHF) has received a $10,000 grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council as part of the CARES Act funding through support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The grant awarded to the SCHF will be used to continue the mission of the SCHF and bring exceptional events and quality programming to the community through artistic excellence. For more information, please contact the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release.

• River Kids Free After School Art Program. The fall Semester began August 27, 2020. Open to any child in 1st through 6th grade, the class will meet on Thursdays from 3:45 to 5:00 p.m. for the thirteen-week program. The River Kids Program is designed to encourage children to discover and develop their creative talents. It will expose creativity through drawing, painting, crafts, collage, ceramics, sculpture and many more exciting techniques. Experienced and accredited educators plan and teach each class. Our numbers will be limited this semester due to the COVID-19 regulations. The program is free, but requires a full semester commitment from the parents. It is filled on a first come, first served basis. This free after-school program is 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 the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation individual and corporate members, the City of Vicksburg, and various appropriations. To register, call the SCHF business office at (601) 631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release. Facebook event page.

• Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation receives MAC Cares Emergency Grant from Mississippi Arts Commission! The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation has been awarded a $4,800 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). Among the numerous activities scheduled throughout the year, these funds are vital in supporting the River Kids free after school art program, a variety of concerts, workshops, lectures, exhibits and the many other events and programs that are instrumental in growing the awareness of the arts to the Vicksburg community and surrounding areas. For information about the Mississippi Arts Commission, please contact Anna Ehrgott, Communications Director, 601-359-6546 or aehrgott@arts.ms.gov. Press release.

• More activities...

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

• Guitar & Ukulele Lessons. Richard McComas, SCHF guitar instructor, is seeking students 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