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 Center.

Celebrating Our 30th 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. We celebrated 30 years on November 23, 2024. “The Landy Teller Champion for Culture & the Arts Award” for 2024 was presented at the SCHF 30th Anniversary Celebration to Landy’s son, Blake Teller! Vicksburg Post Outlook article.

• SCHF Event Calendar

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

• The Southern Cultural Center is a GREAT venue for Rentals!

• All Eventbrite SCHF Activities.

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

• If donating items rather than money is more your jam, we have an Amazon Wish List! Thank y’all for all the support!

• Our 2024 & 2025 Activities suit many interests, and our 1999-2023 Activities are a testimony of the rich cultural heritage of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

• We're hiring!
  Administrative Assistant/Office Manager: This position is part-time, 30 hours a week (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.), but will include paid vacation and an insurance allowance. Bookkeeping experience a plus.
  Events Team Member: We need one more person to join our Events Team! This part-time position will work events at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center.
  To apply, please call 601-631-2997 or email stacey@southernculture.org.

• In celebration of the season of Mardi Gras, the Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation (VFHP) presents the 13th annual Carnaval de Mardi Gras and Gumbo Cook-Off, Saturday, March 1st, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center. The Foundation is accepting teams for the gumbo cook-off now. Registration Form. Rules.
  For more information about the event or about the Gumbo cook-off, please visit www.facebook.com/vicksburg.mardi.gras or contact Nancy Bell at 601.636.5010. 

• Line Dance Practices in the SCHC Academy Dance Room. For January 2025, practices will be Monday night at 5:30 p.m. From 5:30 to 6:15 pm, we will focus on Beginner Dances/Warm-Up. From 6:15 to 7:30 pm, we will move into more Intermediate/Advanced Dances. The upcoming schedule is January 6, 13, & 27. Admission is $5/person.
  For more information call the Southern Cultural Heritage Center business office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

• Southern Book Club, January 15, 2025 at 6 p.m. The Southern Book Club meets the third Wednesday of each month. January’s pick is The Optimists Daughter by Eudora Welty. 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.

• Never Too Late To Create, Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. with Karen Biedenharn. The beginner’s watercolor class will be held in the SCHC Academy building. The fee is $35/person, but only $30/SCHF Members, and includes all supplies. Karen says, “Take a snowy watercolor walk in the woods and catch a cheery cardinal to brighten those January blues!” Space is limited and reservations are required. To register, go to Eventbrite.com or call 601-631.2997. Press release. Facebook event. Buy tickets.

• River Kids Free After School Art Program. Spring Semester begins January 23, 2025. Open to any child in 1st through 6th grade, the class will meet on Thursdays from 3:45-5:00 p.m. for the thirteen-week program. Space is limited and reservations are required. Facebook event. Press release. More.
  To register, call the SCHF business office at (601) 631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

• Vicksburg Latin Dance Night, Saturday, January 25, 2025 in the SCHC Auditorium. There will be a Salsa lesson from 7-8 p.m. and a Bachata lesson from 8-9 p.m. Social Dancing 6-11 p.m. The cost is $15/person for lessons. Space is limited and reservations are appreciated. If you reserve in advance on Eventbrite.com or in the SCHC office, lessons are only $10/person. Social dancing will be offered from 9-11 p.m. for $5/person. (If you come for the lessons, you don’t have to pay for the social dancing.) Absolute beginners are welcome and partners are not required. There will be a cash bar and concessions available. For more information or to get tickets, go to Eventbrite.com, call the Southern Cultural Heritage Center business office at 601-631-2997, or email info@southernculture.org. Buy tickets. Facebook event.

• RESCHEDULED: “Miss Firecracker” Mississippi-Made Movie Night, Friday, February 7, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the SCHC Auditorium.
  There will be a cocktail hour from 6-7 p.m. and the movie will begin at 7 p.m. Also, included in the night will be a cash bar and 50/50 Raffle. Tickets are $10/person and are available on Eventbrite in advance and at the door. Buy tickets. Facebook event. Press release. Buy tickets.
  For more information call the Southern Cultural Heritage Center business office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

• Plant Drive! Our gardens are in need of some new plants! We will be taking donations of plants in the month of May! Plants may be dropped off at our office during normal business hours or during any Classics in the Courtyard.

• SCHF Receives Mississippi Arts Commission Grant. The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation has been awarded a $17,600 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This grant is a portion of the $1.65 million in grants MAC awarded in Fiscal Year 2023 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. “We are pleased to provide support to arts organizations throughout the state who inspire and serve their communities every day,” said Sarah Story, executive director of MAC. “These funds will help organizations continue to create innovative exhibitions, performances, and programming for millions of people to enjoy throughout the next year.” More. Press release.

• 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.

• 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