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.

• SCHF Event Calendar

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

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

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

• Vendor Applications are being accepted for the 14th Annual Holly Days Arts and Crafts Show. The Show will be held Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is $2. Holly Days will feature an assortment of vendors showcasing their products plus local talent will entertain the attendees. Vendor applications are now being accepted. Space is limited and acceptance to the Show will be based on the images of the crafts/art submitted with an application. Craft and art demonstrations are a plus. Although specific space requests will be considered, spaces will be assigned by the Review Committee. The show has become a much anticipated annual event. Attendees will be able to enjoy live music while they shop the variety of vendors chosen from a wide range of categories. Exhibit space is $60 for Returning Vendors and $65 for New Vendors. Applications must be turned in by October 15, 2022. Vendors will be notified by September 25th with an acceptance letter. For more information or for an application, contact the SCHF office at 601-631-2997. Applications are also available at southernculture.org. Press release. Vendor application.

• “Witches’ Brunch,” Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This brunch will take place in the haunted SCHF Convent (corner of Adams and Crawford Streets). Grab your finest pointy hat, most magical cloak, and your broom for this wickedly fabulous event with your fellow witches! Cackle your way into a great time with Halloween-themed food, special libations, live music, and more!! The best witch costume will win a prize! Don’t miss your chance to join this coven of fun!! Tickets are $20 and are available in advance only by September 28, 2022. For tickets, call the SCHF business office at 601-631-2997. Facebook event. Press release.

• The 34th Annual Over the River Run, Saturday, October 8th, 2022, 2022 at 8 a.m. CST at the Old Mississippi River Bridge located at I-20 and Washington Street.
  The 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. Complimentary entertainment, fun and refreshments for all runners, walkers and volunteers will follow the race in the Ameristar Delta Point parking lot. Registration is open now. The entry fees are $30 for the 5-mile race, $15 for the 1-mile fun run, $125 Family pre-race registration (limit of 5) through September 15th. Late fees will apply to entries received after September 15th. Register early to receive an OVER THE RIVER RUN T-SHIRT in a special goodie bag filled with specialty items from local sponsors. Early registration is strongly encouraged to secure a place at the event. Entry forms and complete event details are available by visiting www.southernculture.org/events/otrr.htm. Race packet pick-up will be October 7th at the SCHF Auditorium (corner of Crawford and Cherry Streets) from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and also the morning of the race at the race site.
  Sponsorships are currently being accepted. Please submit the Sponsor Application Form.
  For more information, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.
  Press release. Facebook event page. Online Registration. Run-Walk Trifold Entry Form. Sponsor Application Form. More. 34th-Annual Over the River Run web page.

• Southern Book Club, October 19, 2022 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.

• “Cooking with Campbell” with Matthew Campbell Thursday, October 20, 2022, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Matthew will share his culinary experience with the Vicksburg community, demonstrating Nicoise Salad, White Fish with Apples and Cider, Beef Bourguignon, and Tarte Tatin for dessert! Don’t miss this one! Matthew Campbell is from Vicksburg, Mississippi. After completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Mississippi, he completed culinary school at the French Culinary Institute in 2011. Campbell has been working with the Hinds Community College Culinary program since 2015. Campbell is happy to be back in Vicksburg and we are excited to have him involved here at SCHC. Registration is $40 per person 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.

• Halloween Spook Day with Lana, Sunday, October 23rd from 2-5 p.m. Please join Lana Hand for a fun-filled afternoon at the SCHC! The class will do arts and crafts, have games and music, they will decorate pumpkin cookies, have a Witches Brew Punch, and much more!! This class is open to ages 4-9, and both boys and girls are welcome! The registration fee is $45/child. Reservations must be paid for in advance and are due by October 20, 2022. Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information or to register, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release. Facebook event.

• Ceramics Course with Daisy Anderson Tuminello, Tuesdays and Thursdays, November 1, 2022 and go through December 1, 2022 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. There will be 12 classes. This course provides an introductory exposure to the history of ceramics and a beginning level experience in the use of clay as a fine art medium. Forming techniques, surface development and glazing, and kiln firing practices will be introduced. Both the functional and sculptural ceramic traditions will be explored. This course is intended for those studying ceramics in a beginner capacity or as an experienced crafts person. The course is a comprehensive introduction to the craft of clay working. Students will create one or two projects each week. The cost of this course is $175 and includes a tool kit and all supplies needed for this course. Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information or to register, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release.

• River Kids Free After School Art Program. Fall Semester began August 25, 2022. Open to any child in 1st through 6th grade, the class meets 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. 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. More.
  To register, call the SCHF business office at (601) 631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release. Facebook event page.

• SCHF Receives Mississippi Arts Commission Grant. The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation has been awarded a $13,300 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This grant is a portion of the $1.4 million in grants MAC awarded in Fiscal Year 2022 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.  Press release. More.

• Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation receives Mississippi Arts Commission COVID Relief Grant! The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation (SCHF) has been awarded a $11,500 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) made possible through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) distributed by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Press release. More.

• 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.

• SCHF Receives Mississippi Arts Commission Grant. The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation has been awarded a $11,000 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This grant is a portion of the $1.4 million in grants the Commission will award in 2020-2021 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. Press release. For information from the Mississippi Arts Commission, contact Anna Ehrgott, Communications Director, 601.359.6546 or aehrgott@arts.ms.gov. More.

• SCHF Receives Mississippi Humanities Council CARES Emergency Gant, September 25, 2020. The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation (SCHF) has received a $10,000 grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council as part of the CARES Act funding through support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The grant awarded to the SCHF will be used to continue the mission of the SCHF and bring exceptional events and quality programming to the community through artistic excellence. For more information, please contact the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release.

• Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation receives MAC Cares Emergency Grant from Mississippi Arts Commission! The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation has been awarded a $4,800 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). 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. For information about the Mississippi Arts Commission, please contact Anna Ehrgott, Communications Director, 601-359-6546 or aehrgott@arts.ms.gov. Press release.

• 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