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.

• December 2018/January 2019 newsletter (1.8 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.

• Spring Semester Registration now open for The River Kids Free After-School Art Program. Spring Semester will begin on January 24, 2019. Open to any child in 1st through 6th grade, the program will accept 60 students for the class on Thursdays from 3:45-5 p.m. for the thirteen week program through April 18, 2019. It will expose creativity through drawing, painting, crafts, collage, ceramics, sculpture and many more exciting techniques. Experienced and accredited educators Karen Biedenharn and Ashleigh Holliday plan and teach each class. The program is free, but will require a full semester commitment from the parents. It will be filled on a first come, first served basis. To register, call the SCHF business office at (601) 631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. 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.

• Ballroom Dance Lessons, January 27, 2019

• Kids in the Kitchen: Valentine's, February 5, 2019

• “More Than a Painting” Art Class with Nancy Mitchell, Thursday, February 7, 2019 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Come join Nancy Mitchell and paint a vase of Amaryllis in the style of Swedish-American Birger Sandmen. 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 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. Registration is $40/SCHF Members and $45/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.

• Cooking for Couples, Monday, February 11th at 5:30 p.m. William Furlong will offer simple, elegant recipes for two with the aim of turning the routine daily task of making dinner into a relaxing and romantic bonding experience. With Valentine's Day around the corner, the workshop is designed for all the busy working couples out there who find themselves with limited time for just about everything - including fixing dinner and for spending quality moments with each other. Registration is $55/couple SCHF members and $60/couple 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.

• Southern Book Club, February 20, 2019 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.

• Fort St. Pierre Lecture Series, February 27, 2019

• Kids in the Kitchen: Mardi Gras, February 28, 2019

• The 8th Annual Carnaval de Mardi Gras & Gumbo Cook-Off, Saturday, March 2, 2019 from 5-8 p.m. presented by the Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation (VFHP). Cajun Gumbo Cook-off, Live Music, Dancing, Food, Drinks, Children's Activities and more! For questions or more information, please visit www.facebook.com/vicksburg.mardi.gras or contact Nancy Bell at 601.636.5010 or vburgfoundation@aol.com. Facebook event page.

• 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.

• SCH Auditorium Exterior Project & Stabilization project: $4,775 STILL NEEDED!
  This project is made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Department of Archives & History of $150,000 with required matching funds of $38,000.
  We have raised $33,225 toward the $38,000 needed for the matching funds. Because we have yet to raise the remaining funds, we are forced to use our general fund.
  We are STILL accepting contributions toward this project. REMEMBER: contributions of $50/or more will be listed on a plaque that will be permanently located in the foyer of the Historic Auditorium
  Check out photos of the progress...
  Checks need to made out to the SCHF (write MDAH grant in the memo of your check) and send to 1302 Adams Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180. Your donation is tax deductible.

• The SCHF needs your help!!!
  As with old buildings/structures, there is always something that needs repairing. That being said, the SCHF is in desperate need of your help!!!  Because of the age of the water pipes underground of the cultural center, there have been several leaks discovered.  The repair cost is estimated at $13,000.  This was a very much unexpected problem.
  If you would like to assist financially with this issue, checks need to made payable to the SCHF (write “Water Leak” in the memo of your check) and send to 1302 Adams Street, Vicksburg, MS   39180.  Your donation is fully tax deductible.
  We so appreciate your support!!!!!!

• 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