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!

• 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.

• 4th-Annual Star-Spangled Night Run, Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 8 p.m.
  The entry fees are $30 Individual, $15 Kids Registration (12 & under), through June 11. Late fees will apply after June 11. The first 150 registered participants will be guaranteed a Night Run Shirt. Included in the swag bag will also be race bib and a glow item. 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. Race packet pick-up will be Friday, June 18 at the SCHF Auditorium (corner of Crawford and Cherry Streets) from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and also before the race on Saturday at the race site starting at 6:30 p.m.
  SCHF would like to thank WaterView Casino & Hotel, McDonald’s, Casino Vicksburg, Home Bank, International Paper, Curb Appeals Real Estate, Fleet Feet Sports, and Capital City Beverages for generously sponsoring the Night Run. Sponsorships are still being accepted. For more information, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Facebook event page. Entry Form Trifold. Race route.

• SCHF Closed, May 31, 2021

• Classics in the Courtyard’s “Happy Hour” Concerts
  This event will include a concert, food, and drinks each Thursday night for the months of June, July, and August from 5:30-7:30 p.m. There is no cover charge! Music is free! No reservation needed! Food and drink will be available for purchase.
  The line-up is as follows:
  June 3rd- Tom Barnes Duo; Facebook event page.
  July 1st – Blackwater Trio “Deluxe”; Facebook event page.
  August 5th – Keys vs Strings; Facebook event page.
  For more information, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release.

• “Southern Exposure” Summer Camp, June 7, 2021 through July 30, 2021. “Southern Exposure,” an All-Day Summer Camp, will be held during eight weeks of the summer, starting on June 7, 2021 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 $100 per child for each week. This fee includes a $25 non-refundable fee. 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.
  SCHF will be following all COVID-19 regulations, orders and guidance from CDC. 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.
  Click here to download application form. More...

• Vicksburg Multicultural Arts Camp for Kids, June 14-18, 2021 from 8 a.m.-noon for ages 6-12. The registration fee is $80 per child, and includes all supplies, materials, and a daily snack. An all-day option is available for $100 per child for the week. During this unique camp, children discover the art, dance, music and cuisine of three different cultures. By studying cultural differences and similarities through the arts, students will learn new artistic techniques while developing an appreciation for the traditions and customs of others. Experienced educators plan and oversee all aspects of the camp. This year we are pleased to welcome Karen Biedenharn, art instructor, and Jeanne Evans, music teacher. The camp will culminate with a public performance and exhibit on the last day in the SCHF Auditorium. All family and friends are invited to attend. Space is limited and 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. Facebook event page.

• 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