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!

• June 2017 newsletter (1.9 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.

• 4-Day Stained Glass Workshop, Monday-Thursday, June 12-15, 2017 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with The Rev. Mark Bleakley. This workshop will teach the student how to build a small stained glass panel using the Tiffany style (copper foil method). Registration includes stained glass and basic supplies. Space is limited and reservations are required. Registration is $160/members and $170/non-members. To make reservations or for more information, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release. Facebook event page. More.

• Cre.Activity Summer Camp for Kids with Karen Biedenharn and Herman Biedenharn, Monday-Friday, June 12-16, 2017 from 8 a.m. to noon. During this camp, children will split their time between art and activities such as fencing, snowball volleyball, yard darts and silly team sports. The art will be crafty and centered on fun such as crushed can art, splatter art, painting, and shrinky dink projects. Snacks will be provided daily. Space is limited to 60 students and reservations are required. The fee for this camp is $75/child. For more information or to register, please call the SCHF office at 601.631.2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release. Facebook event page.

• The annual Vicksburg Multicultural Arts Camp for Kids, June 19-23, 2017 from 8 a.m.-noon for ages 6-12 with Karen Biedenharn, art instructor, and Eleana Davis, music teacher. The registration fee is $60 per child, and includes all supplies, materials, and a daily snack. During this unique camp, children discover the art, dance, music and cuisine of three different cultures. Space is limited to 60 students 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 page. More.

• Southern Book Club Wednesday, June 21, 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.

• “Kids in the Kitchen” June Summer Camps, two different sessions June 26-30, 2017, led by Margie Heltzel at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center: “Cook with Books,” from 8:30-11:30 a.m. for ages 4-8 (Facebook event page), and “Baking Bootcamp,” from 12:30-3:30 p.m. for ages 8-12 (Facebook event page). The registration fee for each class is $125 per child and includes all supplies as well as lots of tasty treats. 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.

• “Kids in the Kitchen” July Summer Camps, two different sessions July 17-21, 2017, led by Margie Heltzel at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center: “Food from Around the World,” from 8:30-11:30 a.m. for ages 4-8 (Facebook event page), and from 8:30-11:30 a.m. for ages 8-12 (Facebook event page). The registration fee for each class is $125 per child and includes all supplies as well as lots of tasty treats. 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.

• 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