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.

• March 2019 newsletter (2.0 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.

• 4th Annual Raise the Roof Talent Search & Competition
  Registration is open now for contestants! The deadline to register is  March 15, 2019. Total awards of $550! The Overall Cash Grand Prize Winner will receive $250! The First Runner–up will receive $150, Second Runner-up will receive $100, and Third Runner-up will receive $50. Entry fees are free if you register by March 15, 2019 and $20 for individuals and $50 for groups (3 or more) after  March 15, 1019. To register, download the forms below and bring completed form along with entry fee(s) into the SCHF office or mail to SCHF, 1302 Adams Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180.
  Rules     Entry Form     Guardian Form
  One night only! Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. in the SCHF Auditorium. Tickets to the show are $10 for adults, $5 for youth (ages 6-18). Admission for children 5 and under is free. For more information, please call 601.631.2997. Press release. Facebook event page. More.

• “Southern Exposure” Spring Break Camp, March 11-15, 2019 for kids ages 6-13. 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 $100 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 educators, Karen and Herman Biedenharn will plan and oversee all aspects of the camp. Space is limited to 40 kids 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 page.

• Fort St. Pierre Tercentennial Lecture Series, Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 7 p.m., presented by Max Garriott in the SCHC Convent. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 601.631.2997.

• Southern Book Club, Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. The Southern Book Club meets the third Wednesday of each month. In March, the monthly book is And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini, about how we love, how we take care of one another, and how the choices we make resonate through generations. 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. More.

• William's Sushi Workshop, Monday, March 25, 2019 at 5:30 p.m., presented by William Furlong. You can enjoy an authentic Japanese edible art form that is both healthy and delicious. Learn just how fun, fast and easy rolling sushi can be as William teaches you the proper techniques. You will have hands-on experience as he introduces the fundamentals of sushi preparation, presentation, rolling and cutting. Registration is $40/SCHF members and $45/non-members and includes all supplies. Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information, please contact the SCHF office at 601.631.2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release. Facebook event page.

• Ballroom Dance Lessons, Sunday, March 31, 2019 from 5-6 p.m. in the academy building, presented by James Frechette, owner of Applause Dance Factory. This month’s featured dance is the “Cha Cha.” Individuals and couples are welcome. $10 per person. For more information, please call 601.631.2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

• SCHF Receives Mississippi Arts Commission Grant. The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation has been awarded a $17,400 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This grant is a portion of the $1.4 million in grants the Commission will award in 2018-2019 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. These funds are vital in supporting the River Kids free after school art program, the huge 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. Press release. For information from the Mississippi Arts Commission, contact Anna Ehrgott, Communications Director, 601.359.6546 or aehrgott@arts.ms.gov.

• 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