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 2026 Activities suit many interests, and our 1999-2025 Activities are a testimony of the rich cultural heritage of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

• What fun events or workshops would you like to attend at SCHC? Click here and tell us!!!

• We're Hiring!
  Part-time event set-up.
  Part-time cleaning.
  For more information, please call 601.631.2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

• Salsa & Bachata Lessons at SCHC Wednesday nights! New combos each week! No partner required!
  6:30-8 p.m. Salsa & Bachata
  $5/person. Academy Building/Dance Room. For more information call the Southern Cultural Heritage Center business office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

• Line Dance Practices in the SCHC Academy Dance Room. For October 2026, practices will be Monday night, October 5, 19, & 26 starting at 5:30 p.m. From 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. we will focus on Beginner Dances and Warm-up. From 6:15 to 7:00 p.m., we will do Intermediate/Advanced Dances. From 7:00 to 7:30 p.m., we will do Party Dances and Dance Cardio, with Country Swing/Partner on October 5 and 19. 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, Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 6 p.m. The Southern Book Club meets the third Wednesday of each month. For more information or meeting location, please call 601.631.2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

• 19th-Annual Classics in the Courtyard, offers a variety of entertainment through different genres of classic music. Local entertainers and local restaurants will provide the music and lunch on Fridays from noon-1 p.m. beginning October 16th and concluding November 6th. The musical entertainment is sponsored in part by a generous grant from Entergy Mississippi. The entertainment is provided for free and lunch can be purchased for $18 per person or $15 for SCHF Members. Reservations are required for lunch and must be made by 5 p.m. on the Thursday before the event. There is no better beginning to the fall season than “Classics in the Courtyard”. For more information or to make a reservation, call the Southern Cultural Heritage Center business office at 601-631-2997, Eventbrite.com, or email info@southernculture.org. The schedule of entertainment and lunch providers are listed below:
  Friday, October 16: Performed by The Brotherhood Band; Lunch provided by Southern Sisters Café & Catering. Facebook event. Buy tickets.
  Friday, October 23: Performed by The Star Chiefs; Lunch provided by Goldie’s Express. Facebook event. Buy tickets.
  Friday, October 30: Performed by The Goodins; Lunch provided by Billy’s Italian Restaurant. Facebook event. Buy tickets.
  Friday, November 6: Performed by Alter Ego; Lunch provided by Seazand Dreams Catering, VCC. Facebook event. Buy tickets.
  This wonderful program is also supported in part by funding from the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, and in part, from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, and the generous support of Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation individual and corporate members, the City of Vicksburg, and various appropriations. Press release.

• 5th Annual “Witches' Brunch,” Sat., Oct. 31, 2026 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the SCHC Convent Parlor Rooms (corner of Adams and Crawford Streets). Grab your broomsticks and your best black hat- it’s time for a spellbinding brunch! Join us for a wickedly delightful morning filled with enchanting food, bubbling beverages, and a dash of magic. Come sip mimosas, indulge in hauntingly good bites, and enjoy bewitching company. Costumes, witch hats, your best witch’s cackle, and a touch of spooky flair are highly encouraged - because every witch deserves a little glam! Whether you’re here for the potions, the pastries, or the playful mischief, this brunch will be nothing short of spook-tacular. Cackle your way into a great time with Spooky Brunch Food, Spooky Drinks, and Live Music by Simpatico!! There will be awards for Best Witch Cackle, Best Witch Hat, and Best Witch Costume! Don’t miss your chance to join this coven of fun!! Space is limited. Tickets are $25 and are available in advance only. For tickets, go to Eventbrite.com or call the SCHF business office at 601-631-2997. Buy tickets. Facebook event. Press release.

• “Jewelry Box University” with Yugonda Duffy, Tuesday, November 10 and Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. This 2-part class will meet in the SCHC Academy building. The fee is $35/person, but only $30/SCHF Members and includes all supplies.
  Yugonda says, “Come and transform a plain jewelry box into a beautiful, one-of-a-kind treasure! In this relaxed, hands-on class you’ll learn easy decorative painting techniques to create soft ombré finishes, floral details, inspirational designs, whimsical themes, or elegant distressed looks—just like the pieces from My Bohemian Heart. All paints, brushes, transfers, finishes, and supplies are provided. You simply bring a clean, unbroken jewelry box that is ready to paint. No previous painting experience is needed. Whether you love soft pastels, bold colors, vintage charm, or fun themes, you’ll leave with a finished (or nearly finished) hand-painted jewelry box that’s uniquely yours.”
  Space is limited and reservations are required. To register, go to Eventbrite.com or call 601-631.2997. For member pricing, you must register through the SCHF office, 601-631.2997.
   Press release. Facebook event. Buy tickets.

• River Kids Free After School Art Program. Fall Semester begins August 20, 2026. 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. The River Kids Program is designed to encourage children to discover and develop their creative talents. It will expose creativity through drawing, painting, crafts, collage, ceramics, sculpture and many more exciting techniques. Experienced and accredited educators plan and teach each class. The program is free, but requires a full semester commitment from the parents. It will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
  To register, call the SCHF business office at (601) 631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release. Facebook event page.
  This free after-school program is supported in part by funding from the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, and in part, from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, and the generous support of the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation individual and corporate members, the City of Vicksburg, and various appropriations.

• SCHF Receives Mississippi Arts Commission Grant. The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation has been awarded a $14,400 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This grant is a portion of the $1.7 million in grants MAC awarded in Fiscal Year 2026 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. “Mississippi is a vibrant hub of artistic talent that enriches lives and fuels local economies throughout our state,” said David Lewis, executive director for the Mississippi Arts Commission. “With the generous support from the Mississippi Legislature, we can leverage our citizens’ creativity to invest in our communities.” More. Press release.

• 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.

• Violin Lessons: The SCHF offers violin lessons for all ages. Mrs. Ruthanne Schnell has taught for over 26 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