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.
In the fall of 2014, we celebrated with some awesome activities!

• April 2018 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.

• Announcing “Southern Exposure,” An All-Day Summer Camp. The camp will be held during eight weeks of the summer, from June 4 to July 27, 2018 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is open to kids ages 6-13. 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, which is due two weeks prior to each week attending. The fee includes all supplies and a daily snack. Kids are asked to bring their own 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. Experienced and accredited educator, Karen Biedenharn, will plan and oversee all aspects of the camp. Each week of camp will have a different theme! More.
  Space is limited reservations are required. Remember, reservations should be made two weeks prior to each week attending. For more information or to register, call the Southern Cultural Heritage Center business office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Application Form. Press release.

• Brazilian Cooking with Lou Brierley, Monday, April 23, 2018 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. There are many regional dishes in Brazil, and we will concentrate on two very different cuisines. From Minas Gerais, the class will make a Feijao Tropeiro, which is pinto beans with bacon, sausage and other ingredients. Lou will use an unexpected ingredient in the preparation of this dish. You will be surprised! Then the class will go to Bahia and prepare a Muqueca de Peixe (fish stew). Dishes from Bahia have a lot of African influence and we will be using palm oil, which is rich and orange in color. A surprise dessert will be served after the meal. Registration is $35/SCHF members and $40/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.

• Mississippi Art Colony Exhibit, March 5 through April 24, 2018. The Mississippi Art Colony was established in 1948 at the Allisons Wells Hotel in Way, Mississippi. The Smithsonian lists the Colony as the country's oldest artist-run organization of its kind. The members meet twice a year (Spring and Fall) at Camp Henry S. Jacobs near Utica, Mississippi. Every session, the Mississippi Art Colony asks the guest artist to select a show that will travel the state, representing the artists who attend. The Fall Colony 2017 Traveling Show was selected by guest artist, David Hornung. The show will be on display in the Exhibit Room at Southern Cultural Heritage Center (SCHC). 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.

• There will be a Reception for the Mississippi Art Colony Exhibit Tuesday, April 24, 2018 from 5-7 pm. The exhibit and the reception are free and open to the public. For more information, call the SCHF office at 601.631.2997. Press release. Facebook event page.

• Propulsion Dance Company will perform in the Southern Cultural Heritage Center Auditorium on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per person. Propulsion Dance Company is a professional contemporary dance company in Vicksburg, MS. The company was formed in February 2016. For more information go to propulsiondancecompany.com or visit the Propulsion Dance Company Facebook page.

• Farmer's Market Finds Workshop with William Furlong, Monday, May 7, 2018 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Not sure what to do with all your purchases at the Farmer’s Market? William Furlong will demonstrate how to use your fruits and vegetables to create unique and delightful dishes. Registration is $35/SCHF members and $40/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.

• Save the Date!! The first ever “Star Spangled Night Run in Vicksburg,” June 30, 2018, A 5K Night Run/Walk through downtown Vicksburg. Registration information will be available April 2, 2018. For more information, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release. More.

• SCHF Receives Mississippi Arts Commission Grant. The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation has been awarded a $12,000 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). Press release. More.

• Vicksburg Slam, Vicksburg's FIRST & ONLY Circuit Race Program
  Dedicated to the success and enjoyment of the three signature Vicksburg Races: 10th Annual Chill in the Hills, January 13, 2018; 39th Annual Run Thru History, March 3, 2018; 29th-Annual Over the River Run, October 13, 2018. Be a member of the Vicksburg Slam and qualify for cash prizes after participation in all THREE races! Vicksburg Slam is made possible by partnerships of Grace Christian Counseling Center, Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation, and the YMCA. For more info, go to the the Vicksburg Slam Facebook page.

• 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