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 2020 newsletter (1.5 MB Adobe Reader file).
  If you would like to discontinue receiving the printed SCHF newsletter and only receive the electronic newsletter, please call 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.
  Coming soon:
  more Kids in the Kitchen
  Classics in the Courtyard’s “Happy Hour” Concerts
  Star Spangled Night Run in Vicksburg

• SCHF Event Calendar

• Facebook Events Page (must sign into Facebook to view)

• More! Activities Log of all current and past years' activities.

• Due to the current COVID19 health concern the SCHF office will be closed to the public through April 3rd. At that time, we will reassess the situation. We are open for business, but not open to the public. Please call 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org as needed.
  Please stay safe and healthy!

• Lebanese Cooking with Lana, Postponed Tuesday, March 24, 2020 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. Join us for Lebanese Cooking with Lana, a hands-on cooking experience. This class will make Fried Kibbee, a Lebanese dish made with bulgur, minced onions and finely ground meat. We will make the meat into balls and fry them in olive oil. The class will also prepare Tabouli (Tabbouleh), a yummy and healthy Middle Eastern salad made with bulgur, tomatoes, green onions and parsley. And the class will prepare Mujadara (Lentils and Rice), a delicious vegetarian dish made with lentils, rice and darkly browned onions- served with a side of Greek Yogurt. 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.

• “More Than a Painting” Art Class with Nancy Mitchell,  Postponed Thursday, April 2, 2020 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Last chance to paint a Picasso Rooster! Nancy will retire this class after Thursday April 2nd! If you have painted this one before, paint another for a friend.  Classes suit both artists and beginners. The students leave with a finished art piece to hang in their home at the end of their class. Nancy Mitchell has been teaching art for 36 years. As an educator and artist, she practices a variety of media including basic drawing, batik workshops and charcoal. Registration is $45/SCHF Members and $50/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.

• South Mississippi Art League Exhibit,  Postponed April 3 - May 14, 2020, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - noon and 1-5 p.m. 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 twelve artists: Pat Abernathy, Carolyn Busenlener, Paulette Dove, Kat Fitzpatrick, Sandra Halat, Carmen Lugo, Patt Odom, George Ann McCullough, Cissey Quinn, Julia Reyes, Norma Seward, and Ann Madden. 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.

• SCHF Receives Mississippi Arts Commission Grant. The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation has been awarded a $11,400 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This grant is a portion of the $1.4 million in grants the Commission will award in 2019-2020 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. 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. Press release. For information from the Mississippi Arts Commission, contact Anna Ehrgott, Communications Director, 601.359.6546 or aehrgott@arts.ms.gov. More.

• More activities...

• WLBT article, Going back in time with the Sisters of Mercy, February 20, 2009.

• Guitar & Ukulele Lessons. Richard McComas, SCHF guitar instructor, is seeking students 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