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

• 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)

• SCHF Closed, Thursday, November 23 through Monday, November 27, 2023. Happy Thanksgiving!

• Line Dance Practices in the SCHC Academy Dance Room. For November and December of 2023, practices will be on Thursday nights (except for holidays) at 5:30 p.m. The upcoming schedule is November 30. We will put out a schedule for each month prior to that month. Admission is $5/person. Location and Parking: Please park in the Courtyard Parking lot of the Cultural Center (on the corner of Adams and Clay Streets, as soon as you turn off of Clay onto Adams, you take an immediate right where there is an entrance sign to the Cultural Center and enter the Academy Building straight ahead).
  For more information call the Southern Cultural Heritage Center business office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release.

• “Southern Exposure” Fall Mini Camp, November 20-22, 2023 from 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 4-13. 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 educator, Karen 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.

• Never Too Late To Create, Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. with Karen Biedenharn in the SCHC Academy building. The fee is $35/person, but only $30/SCHF Members and includes all supplies. Karen says, “This class will work on an 11 x 14 canvas and get into the Christmas spirit with this snow-covered fir in a wintry forest visited by a cardinal or if you prefer, a raven. It is so fun to personalize these projects. He may be visited by an owl or even a bulldog!!” Space is limited and reservations are required. To make a reservation, go to Eventbrite.com, call 601.631.2997, or email info@southernculture.org. Facebook event. Press release. Buy tickets.

• 15th Annual “Holly Days” Arts and Crafts Show, Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the historic SCHF Auditorium. Admission is $2. “Holly Days” will feature a room full of quality vendors showcasing their arts and crafts, plus local talent will entertain the attendees. This year, there will be a new addition to Holly Days for the guys- our North Pole Mancave! Come lounge with the guys, watch some football, and have some snacks, coffee, and cocktails. This event will precede Vicksburg Main Street’s Annual Christmas Parade of Lights at 5 p.m. The show has become a tradition in Vicksburg. The live entertainment will include the YMCA Cardio Drummers, Jeanne Evans’ music students, Rachel Storey’s piano students, Denise Ragsdale’s piano students, Ruthann Schnell’s violin students, Debra Franco School of Dance, and RiverPointe Dance. Miller’s Southern Comfort Food will be on site selling delicious food! For more information, call the SCHF Business Office at 601.631.2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release.

• Southern Book Club, Wednesday, December 20, 2023 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.

• 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