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!
  Maintenance Worker: This part-time position will do light maintenance/cleaning and help with setup and breakdown of events.
  To apply, please call 601-631-2997 or email stacey@southernculture.org.

• Bridal Bliss Booking Week at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center, January 26-30, 2026. Say “yes” to the venue of your dreams during Bridal Bliss Booking Week at the Southern Cultura Heritage Center (SCHC)! For one special week, engaged couples are invited to tour our stunning historic spaces, explore package options, and envision their perfect day surrounded by timeless Southern charm. Meet with our team, discover our beautifully preserved buildings, and experience the unmatched character of our indoor and outdoor event spaces. As a special incentive, couples who book their wedding venue during Bridal Bliss Booking Week will receive a $150 discount on their SCHC rental package. From romantic courtyards to elegant interiors, the SCHC offers a backdrop as meaningful and memorable as your love story. Tours are available by appointment. For more information or to make an appointment, call the SCHC office at 601-631-2997. Facebook event. Press release.

• “The Landy Teller Champion for Culture & the Arts Award” for 2025 was presented at the SCHF Christmas party. The recipient was Jenny Bottemiller. Jenny came to SCHF as a volunteer more than seven years ago for Over the River Run. After that, she became more and more involved at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center. She became a board member in 2021. She also brought along with her, her husband Drew, who has been a steadfast volunteer. We appreciate all Jenny’s dedication to the SCHF and are excited to honor her with this most special award. Press release.
  In 2016, an anonymous gift was made in memory of Landy Teller. The gift was meant to start an endowment that would fund an award that would be presented to an individual who contributes to culture and the arts in Vicksburg. The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation (SCHF) did this, and the first award was presented in 2017.
  “Landy Teller was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation and in the early days when there were just a few of us who believed in the crazy notion that you could turn a block of buildings into a cultural center that could support itself, he was a rock,” said Nancy Bell, president of SCHF Board. “He believed that it needed to be done and could be done and because his counsel was so well respected, he was able to encourage those people who we needed in order to make the project a success, to get on board. Landy was always available to answer legal questions, to write contracts, or to provide whatever support he could to all of our directors. He always had an encouraging word for our staff. We would not be where we are today without the leadership of Landy Teller.”

• Line Dance Practices in the SCHC Academy Dance Room. For January 2026, practices will be Monday night, January 5, 12, & 26, starting at 5:30 p.m. From 5:30 to 6:15 pm, we will focus on Beginner Dances/Warm-Up. From 6:15 to 7:00 pm, we will move into more Intermediate/Advanced Dances, and we will do party dances from 7:00-7:30 pm. Admission is $5/person. For more information call the Southern Cultural Heritage Center business office at 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.

• St. George’s Men's group 4th annual appreciation dinner for all law enforcement and first responders in Vicksburg and Warren County, Thursday, January 8, 2026, 4-6 p.m. The Antiochian Men (A.MEN) of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, in Vicksburg, will be hosting an appreciation dinner geared for law enforcement, fire and emergency medical personnel. This event starts off the New Year and serves to honor those who serve our community. January 9 is recognized nationally as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (LEAD). For further information contact Rick Martin at (601)529-6062. Press release.
  Father Gabriel Karam, pastor of St. George, said “We wanted to honor those who serve the community by serving them with a good meal! This was one way we could show our appreciation.” Rick Martin, President of the A.MEN, said “We reached out and invited the Vicksburg Police Dept, Vicksburg Fire Dept, Troop C, MS Highway Patrol, Warren County Sheriff's Dept., Warren County Volunteer Fire Depts., 911 personnel, constables & the Warren County Emergency Management Agency. We should have a good turnout. We asked Goldie's Express to cater for 150 first responders. We know they all can't sit and have a meal at the church, so there will be options to dine-in or pick up a meal-to-go and bring it back to their station.” St. George was established in 1906 and has always been involved in the community. Our Mission is to spread the ancient apostolic and living Word of God in our community, by putting the gospel into action and bearing witness in the world, making it accessible to all those seeking the True Faith. Our parish is dedicated to the maintenance of a true parish environment, welcoming, loving, nurturing, and healing. Our Vision is to spread the True Word of God in our community by outreach and involvement.

• Line Dance Party, Saturday, January 17, 2026 in the SCHC Auditorium. Get ready for a night of toe-tappin’, boot scootin’ fun! Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just learning the steps, our Line Dance Party is the perfect place to move, groove, and have fun with friends! We will do line dances of all styles including country, soul, and pop. We will do a few mixers, too! We will see you on the dance floor! There will be a dance tutorial from 6-7 p.m. and a dance party from 7-9 p.m. The cost is $10/person. There will be a cash bar and concessions available. If you would like to reserve pizza for dinner, call ahead 601-631-2997. Join us for Dance Parties once every month! For more information or to get tickets, call the Southern Cultural Heritage Center business office at 601-631-2997, or email info@southernculture.org. Facebook event. Press release. Buy tickets.

• Southern Book Club, Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 6 p.m. The Southern Book Club meets the third Wednesday of each month. January’s pick is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. 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.

• River Kids Free After School Art Program. Spring Semester begins January 22, 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. Facebook event. Press release.
  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. 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.

• In celebration of the season of Mardi Gras, the Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation (VFHP) presents the 14th annual Carnaval de Mardi Gras and Gumbo Cook-Off, on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center.
  The Foundation is accepting teams for the gumbo cook-off now. In addition to bragging rights and trophies, the first-place winner in both the seafood and non-seafood categories will be awarded a $300 cash price. The entry fee for the cook-off is $50 by January 30th, and $75 after January 30th and includes admittance for four team members to the carnival.
  Admission for the Carnaval and Gumbo Cook-off is $10 for adults and includes gumbo and $5 for children and includes unlimited children’s activities. Admission may be paid at the door or purchased in advance at the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum. Additional food items and beverages may be purchased during the event. All proceeds from the Carnaval will benefit the Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation.
  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. 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.

• 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