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!

• 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.

• Vendor Applications are being accepted for the 13th Annual Holly Days Arts and Crafts Show. The Show will be held Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is $2. Holly Days will feature an assortment of vendors showcasing their products plus local talent will entertain the attendees. Vendor applications are now being accepted. Space is limited and acceptance to the Show will be based on the images of the crafts/art submitted with an application. Craft and art demonstrations are a plus. Although specific space requests will be considered, spaces will be assigned by the Review Committee. The show has become a much anticipated annual event. Attendees will be able to enjoy live music while they shop the variety of vendors chosen from a wide range of categories. Exhibit space is $60 for Returning Vendors and $65 for New Vendors. For more information or for an application, contact the SCHF office at 601-631-2997. Applications are also available at southernculture.org. Press release.

• The 33rd Annual Over the River Run is around the Corner, Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 8 a.m. CST at the Old Mississippi River Bridge located at I-20 and Washington Street.
  A unique and very scenic 5-mile race across the Old Mississippi River Bridge
  This event welcomes hundreds to the City of Vicksburg and will serve as a wonderful family event. The unique run follows a scenic course heading west across the Mississippi River to Delta, Louisiana and then returns back to the finish line. The event includes a 5-mile run, 5-mile walk, and a one-mile fun run for kids. Complimentary entertainment, fun and refreshments for all runners, walkers and volunteers will follow the race in the Ameristar Delta Point parking lot. Registration is open now. The entry fees are $30 for the 5-mile race, $15 for the 1-mile fun run, $125 Family pre-race registration (limit of 5) through October 1st. Late fees will apply to entries received after October 1st. Register early to receive an OVER THE RIVER RUN T-SHIRT in a special goodie bag filled with 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 by visiting www.southernculture.org/events/otrr.htm. 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 www.RaceRoster.com. Race packet pick-up will be October 8th at the SCHF Auditorium (corner of Crawford and Cherry Streets) from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and also the morning of the race at the race site.
  The run has acquired some very generous financial sponsors. The Platinum Sponsors are Ergon, Ameristar Casino, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi, International Paper; Gold Sponsors are Vollor Vollor & Herring and WaterView Casino & Hotel; Silver Sponsors are Guaranty Bank & Trust, McDonald’s, Mutual Credit Union and Trustmark; and Bronze Sponsors are Curb Appeals Real Estate, Scott Robbins Physical Therapy, Keller Williams Realty/Julie Patton Johnson, New York Life/Stan Kline, The Vicksburg Post and Merit Health River Region. Additional sponsors include Coca-Cola, Budweiser, Visit Vicksburg, City of Vicksburg and Fleet Feet Sports. Sponsorships are still being accepted. Many volunteers are needed in many areas of the planning of the event.
  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.
  Sponsor Application Form. For more information, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.
  Press release. Facebook event page.
  Run-Walk Trifold Entry Form. Online Registration.

• “More Than a Painting” Art Class with Nancy Mitchell, Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  Nancy Mitchell says, “Come paint with me!” Join Nancy in painting “October Morning” by Guy Rose, an American Impressionist painter. 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 three hour 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. 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. Nancy Mitchell has been teaching art for 37 years. As an educator and artist, she practices a variety of media including basic drawing, batik workshops and charcoal.
  Registration is $45/SCHF Members and $50/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. Facebook event page.

• Haunted Halloween Ghost Hunt with Mississippi Paranormal Society, Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person. There will be a limited number of tickets available, and you must purchase tickets in advance! All proceeds will go to the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation.
  Event details include:
  ~ Meet & Greet
  ~ Intro to MPS
  ~ Cash bar
  ~ Snacks will be provided
  This is the paranormal event you do not want to miss! For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release. Facebook event page.

• River Kids Free After School Art Program. Fall Semester began August 26, 2021. Open to any child in 1st through 6th grade, the class meets 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. The program is free, but requires a full semester commitment from the parents. 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. Press release. Facebook event page. Registration Form.

• SCHF Receives Mississippi Arts Commission Grant. The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation has been awarded a $11,000 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This grant is a portion of the $1.4 million in grants the Commission will award in 2020-2021 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. Press release. For information from the Mississippi Arts Commission, contact Anna Ehrgott, Communications Director, 601.359.6546 or aehrgott@arts.ms.gov. More.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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