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

• 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)

• River Kids Free After School Art Program. Spring Semester Registration is open now for the free after-school art program. Spring Semester begins January 26, 2023. 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.
  To register, call the SCHF business office at (601) 631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release. More.

• “The Landy Teller Champion for Culture & the Arts Award” for 2022 was presented to Jack Burns on December 16th, 2022 in the SCHC Convent Chapel at the SCHF December board meeting and Christmas party. Jack Burns, a former west coast resident and retired cement industry worker is a very active volunteer in the theater and the arts. He has presented dozens of theatrical performances at The Vicksburg and then The Strand over the last decade. Jack’s various positions make him a solver of problems of all kinds. He brings that approach and a lot of energy to all he tackles. Jack has devoted much of his time over the last few years to volunteering at SCHF and even working in the office when needed. We appreciate all his dedication to the SCHF and are excited to honor him with this most special award. Press release. More.

• “Never Too Late To Create,” Monday, January 30, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. with Karen Biedenharn. Since the first class for this painting filled up so quickly, we are offering a second chance to get in on the birch trees! The fee is $25/person and includes all supplies. Karen says, “January 23rd is the night of the birch tree!!! This white, black, and blue composition whispers deep winter bliss with its free abstract strokes and quick twiggy branches. This class will be painting on a lightweight board for easy hanging. Remember, bring your favorite beverage and I’ll have the cheese and crackers. Bring a friend or make some new ones! See ya there!!” Space is limited and reservations are required. To make a reservation, call 601.631.2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release. Facebook event. Buy tickets.

• “Love Is in the Air” Valentine Fun with Lana at SCHC, Sunday, February 12th, 2023 from 2-5 p.m.
  “Love Is in the Air”
  Hearts and Flowers
  Hugs and Kisses
  Let’s Get Together to
  Give Valentine Wishes
  Join Lana Hand on Sunday, February 12th from 2-5 pm for an afternoon of celebrating Valentine’s Day with an Ice Cream Bar, making Valentine cards, decorating t-shirts (t-shirts will be provided), and decorating salt dough hearts. There will be music, games and more!! Boys and girls, ages 4-9, are invited to attend. The registration fee is $45/child. Reservations must be paid for in advance and are due by February 8, 2023. Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information or to register, please contact the SCHF office at 601.631.2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release. Buy tickets. Facebook event page.

• St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church presents the 62nd Annual Lebanese Dinner Monday, February 13, 2023, from 11 a.m. -2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.  The dinner will be drive-thru only. Tickets are $18 and the meal consists of cabbage rolls, baked kibbee, tabooli salad, green beans in tomato sauce, and pita bread. Tickets must be purchased in advance only and will not be sold the day of the dinner. Tickets can be purchased from any church member, on Eventbrite.com, or by calling 601-529-2147. Press release. Buy tickets. Facebook event page.

• Southern Book Club, February 15, 2023 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, February 16, 2023, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Matthew will share his culinary experience with the Vicksburg community, demonstrating a cheese and berry plate; spring salad with mixed greens, smoked salmon, goat cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette; Shrimp Bisque; Redfish with couscous and Mediterranean herbs and spices; and chocolate covered strawberries 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. Buy tickets.

• In celebration of the season of Mardi Gras, the Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation (VFHP) presents the 11th annual Carnaval de Mardi Gras and Gumbo Cook-Off on Saturday, February 18th, 2023 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 before February 11th, and $75 after February 11th and includes admittance for four team members to the carnival. Registration Form. Rules.
  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. Facebook event page.

• 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