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)

• “Southern Exposure” Spring Break Camp, March 13-17, 2023 for kids ages 4-13. The camp will be held during Spring Break 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 registration fee is $110 per child for the week (this fee includes a $25 non-refundable fee to hold your spot) and that includes all supplies and a daily snack. 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. Buy tickets. Facebook event page.

• Basic Cake Decorating with Maryann Artz, Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from 5:30-8 p.m. Make every celebration sweeter!! Learn how to use cake decorating tips to create beautiful cakes, brought to you by Maryann Artz, a local cake artist who has been decorating cakes for over 30 years. Maryann will bring all her knowledge to help even novice decorators produce amazing results. Hands-on instruction and all supplies will be provided for an evening of fun. Let’s learn to spread buttercream joy! Registration is $70, and the class will be limited to 10 students. 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. Buy tickets. Facebook event page.

• Southern Book Club, April 19, 2023 at 7:00 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.

• River Kids Free After School Art Program. Spring Semester Registration began January 26, 2023. Open to any child in 1st through 6th grade, the class meets on Thursdays from 3:45-5:00 p.m. for the thirteen-week program. Press release. More.

• 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