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!

• July 2017 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.

• Vendor Applications are being accepted for 10th Annual Holly Days Arts & Crafts Show! Download vendor application form.
  SCHF presents the 10th Annual Holly Days Arts & Crafts Show on Saturday, December 2, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Exhibit space is limited and applications must be submitted by August 31, 2017. Vendors will be notified by September 25th with an acceptance letter. Exhibit space is $50/SCHF members and $60/non-members. For more information or an application, please contact the SCHF office at 601.631.2997. Vendor press release.

• Southern Book Club Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. The Southern Book Club meets the third Wednesday of each month. 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.

• Appetizers & Food Truck Workshop, Tuesday, August 22, 2017 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. with Lou Brierley. Lou will take two known dishes and make them even better. The first dish is Shrimp BLT - This triple deck sandwich will become one of your favorites and it will impress your guests. It will be accompanied by roasted potato salad. The second dish is Bacon Waffles with Chicken and Maple Syrup. We will use grilled marinated chicken, more bacon and it will be served with a simple mixed green salad with an amazing dressing. Then we will move on to the Appetizers part of our seminar, with simple, delicious and unique appetizers that can be put together in no time and, we will also explore the many uses of puffy pastry to complete your appetizer platter. 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 Workshop with Nancy Mitchell - Thursday, August 24, 2017 from 5:30–8:30p.m. The class will be painting in the style of Claude Monet. In addition to artist facts and a touch of art history throughout the lesson, students receive a handout on the artist. The students leave with a finished art piece to hang in their home at the end of their class. Classes suit both artists and beginners. Nancy Mitchell believes anyone can learn to draw and be creative. However, in today’s world not many people have time for weekly art classes. This class is based on a painting she designs to mimic the style of a renowned artist. The step-by-step process enables each student to recreate the painting, adding their personal style. Students also learn basics about composition and color mixing. Registration for each class is $45/SCHF members and $80/Non-members. For reservations or more information, please contact the SCHF office at 601.631.2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release. Facebook event page.

• River Kids Free After School Art Program Fall Semester begins August 24, 2017. Open to any child in 1st through 6th grade, the program accepts 60 students for the class on Thursdays from 3:45 to 5:00 p.m. for the thirteen-week program. It exposes creativity through drawing, painting, crafts, collage, ceramics, sculpture and many more exciting techniques. Experienced and accredited educators, Karen Biedenharn and Regina Renot Mattei, plan and teach each class. The program is free, but requires a full semester commitment from the parents. It is 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.

• 29th Annual Over the River Run (2017), Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 8 a.m. at the Old Mississippi River Bridge located at I-20 and Washington Street. This unique run follows a scenic course heading west across the Mississippi River to Delta, Louisiana and then returns back to the finish line. The event includes a 5-mile run, 5-mile walk, and a one-mile fun run for kids.
  Individual Entry Form  Facebook event page  Online Registration.

• SCHF Receives Mississippi Arts Commission Grant. The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation has been awarded a $17,400 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: 9th Annual Chill in the Hills, January 14, 2017; 38th Annual Run Thru History, March 4, 2017; 29th-Annual Over the River Run, October 14, 2017. 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