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!

• 5th-Annual Star-Spangled Night Run, Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 8 p.m. Registration is open now! The entry fees are $30 – 5K Individual Fee, $15 – 5K Kids Registration (12 & under), through May 20th (add $5 after May 20th); 5K registrations include a Night Run T-shirt, Race Bib, Glow Item, and FREE Admission to the After-Party; $20 – Spirit Runner registration includes a Night Run T-shirt, Glow Item, & FREE Admission to After-Party. The first 150 registered participants will be guaranteed a Night Run Shirt. Entry Forms and fees can be dropped off at SCHF Business Office or mailed to SCHF, 1302 Adams Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180, or you can register online at www.RaceRoster.com. For more information, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release. Facebook event page. Entry Form Trifold. Race route. More.

• A “Spring” Classics in the Courtyard: Fabulous Music, Lunch and Fun at Noon at the SCH Center
  The musical entertainment is provided for free and lunch can be purchased for $12 per person. Reservations are required for lunch and must be made by 5 p.m. on the Thursday before the event. For more information or to make reservations for lunch, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email stacey@southernculture.org.
  Friday, May 13: PATRICK SMITH BAND’ Lunch by Goldie’s Express. Facebook event page.
  Press release. More.

• South Mississippi Art League (SMAL) Exhibit,  April 15 - May 12, 2022 from from 9-11:30 a.m. and 2-5 p.m. in the Exhibit Room. Parking is available in the courtyard parking lot by the office entrance. The South Mississippi Art League is an artist collective that was established in 2015 with the goal of creating exhibits and providing an outlet for Mississippi Coast professional artists to promote and display their work. Current membership includes 16 artists: Kat Fitzpatrick, J.J. Foley, Cissy McCabe Quinn, George Ann McCullough, Susie Ranager, Patt Odom, Pat Abernathy, Paulette Dove, Sandra Halat, Carolyn Whitescarver, Norma Seward, Carmen Lugo, Ann Madden, Roseanne McKenney, Trinh Nguyen, and Carolyn Busenlener. There will be a closing reception on Thursday, May 12, 2022 from 5-7 p.m. We invite you to come and meet the artists. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, call the SCHF office at 601.631.2997. Press release. Facebook event page.

• Closing Reception for the South Mississippi Art League (SMAL) Exhibit,  Thursday, May 12, 2022 from 5-7 p.m. For more information, call the SCHF office at 601.631.2997. Press release.

• Southern Book Club, May 18, 2022 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.

• “Southern Exposure” Summer Camp, May 31 through July 29, 2022. “Southern Exposure,” an All-Day Summer Camp, will be held during nine weeks of the summer, starting on May 31, 2022 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is open to kids ages 4-13. Early drop-off starts at 7:30 a.m. and pick-up is available through 5:15 p.m.
  The registration fee is $110 per child for each week.  The fee includes all supplies and a daily snack. Kids are asked to bring their own lunch. During this camp, children will be enriched “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 games and activities. Experienced and accredited teachers 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 go to southernculture.org. Press release. Click here to download application form. More.

• SCHF Receives Mississippi Arts Commission Grant. The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation has been awarded a $13,300 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This grant is a portion of the $1.4 million in grants MAC awarded in Fiscal Year 2022 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. More.

• Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation receives Mississippi Arts Commission COVID Relief Grant! The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation (SCHF) has been awarded a $11,500 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) made possible through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) distributed by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Press release. More.

• 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.

• 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