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 2025 Activities suit many interests, and our 1999-2023 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.

• Salsa & Bachata Lessons at SCHC Wednesday nights starting back September 17! New combos each week! No partner required!
  6:30-7:15 p.m. Salsa
  7:15-8 p.m. Bachata
  $5/one lesson and $10/both. Academy Building/Dance Room. For more information call the Southern Cultural Heritage Center business office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

• 4th Annual “Witches' Brunch,” Sat., Oct. 4, 2025 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the SCHC Convent Parlor Rooms (corner of Adams and Crawford Streets). Deadline to get tickets is Wednesday, October 1st. Grab your broomsticks and your best black hat- it’s time for a spellbinding brunch! Join us for a wickedly delightful morning filled with enchanting food, bubbling beverages, and a dash of magic. Come sip mimosas, indulge in hauntingly good bites, and enjoy bewitching company. Costumes, witch hats, your best witch’s cackle, and a touch of spooky flair are highly encouraged- because every witch deserves a little glam! Whether you’re here for the potions, the pastries, or the playful mischief, this brunch will be nothing short of spook-tacular. Cackle your way into a great time with Spooky Brunch Food, Spooky Drinks, and Live Music by Julie & John!! There will be awards for Best Witch Cackle, Best Witch Hat, and Best Witch Costume! Don’t miss your chance to join this coven of fun!! Space is limited. Tickets are $25 and are available in advance only. For tickets, go to Eventbrite.com or call the SCHF business office at 601-631-2997. Buy tickets. Facebook event. Press release.

• “Southern Exposure” Fall Break Camp, October 6-10, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The camp is open to kids ages 4-11. The registration fee is $125 per child for the week and includes all supplies and a daily snack (this fee includes a $40 non-refundable fee to hold your spot). There is a discount offered for siblings. Kids are asked to bring their lunch.
  During this camp, children will be “exercising mind, body, and soul” as they utilize the gymnasium, art classrooms, auditorium, gardens, and media room of the SCHC to investigate southern music, gardening, art, manners, and other camp-like activities. The children will perform improvisation throughout the week to their peers. Experienced and accredited educators will plan and oversee all aspects of the camp.
  Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information or to register, call the Southern Cultural Heritage Center business office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release. Facebook event.

• The 37th Annual Over the River Run, Saturday, October 11th, 2025 at 8 a.m. CST at the Old Mississippi River Bridge located at I-20 and Washington Street.
  Online Registration.
  Facebook event page.
  Entry forms and complete event details.
  Press release.
  Run-Walk Trifold Entry Form.
  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 involves a 5-mile run, 5-mile walk and a one-mile fun run for kids. Complimentary musical entertainment, fun and refreshments for all runners, walkers and volunteers will follow the race in the Ameristar Delta Point parking lot. Online Registration is open now. Take advantage of early bird registration! The entry fees are $35 for the 5-mile race and $20 for the 1-mile fun run. After September 15th, entry fees will be $40 for the 5-mile race and $25 for the 1-mile fun run. Race day fee for the 5-mile race will be $40. Family Pre-Race is $150 (pre-registered only, limit 5 immediate family members living at the same address) (only available by September 15). Spirit Runner is $30 (includes T-shirt only). Register early to receive your OVER THE RIVER RUN T-SHIRT!
  For more information, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.
  More.

• Spooky Line Dance Party, Saturday, October 11, 2025 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 throw in a couple Halloween dances and tunes, too! Costumes are encouraged. There will be an award for the best costume! 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 at Eventbrite. There will be a cash bar and concessions available. If you would like to reserve pizza for dinner, call ahead at 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.

• Vendor Applications are being accepted for the 17th Annual Holly Days Arts and Crafts Show. The Show will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025 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 $65 for Returning Vendors and $70 for New Vendors. Applications must be turned in by October 15, 2025.
  For more information or for an application, contact the SCHF office at 601-631-2997. Press release. Holly Days Application Form.

• Southern Book Club, October 15, 2025 at 6 p.m. The Southern Book Club meets the third Wednesday of each month. October’s pick is The Great River by Boyce Upholt. 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.

• 18th-Annual Classics in the Courtyard, offers a variety of entertainment through different genres of classic music. Local entertainers and local restaurants will provide the music and lunch on Fridays from 12-1 p.m. beginning October 17th and concluding November 7th. The entertainment is provided for free and lunch can be purchased for $18 per person or $15 for SCHF Members. Reservations are required for lunch and must be made by 5 p.m. on the Thursday before the event. There is no better beginning to the fall season than “Classics in the Courtyard”. For more information or to make a reservation, call the Southern Cultural Heritage Center business office at 601-631-2997, Eventbrite.com, or email info@southernculture.org. The schedule of entertainment and lunch providers are listed below:
  Friday, October 17: Performed by The Brotherhood Band; Lunch provided by Seazand Dreams Catering, VCC
  Friday, October 24: Performed by Charlie Robbins Trio; Lunch provided by Billy’s Italian Restaurant
  Friday, October 31: Performed by Howl & The Big Bad Wolves; Lunch provided by Goldie’s Express
  Friday, November 7: Performed by Julie & John; Lunch provided by Brick Street Market
  This wonderful program is also 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 Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation individual and corporate members, the City of Vicksburg, and various appropriations. Press release.

• Carnival and Haunted House volunteers needed! Spooky season is upon us! We are looking for volunteers to play scare actors in our Tunnel of Terror Haunted House and people to work kids games at the carnival! We are hoping to add second day to our haunted house if we have enough volunteers as well! If you're interested please reach out for further information. Service hours are available!!!
  When: Saturday, October 25th, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
  How: email info@southernculture.org or call 601-631-2997.
  Where: Southern Cultural Heritage Complex.

• River Kids Free After School Art Program. Registration is open now for the free after-school art program. Fall Semester begins August 28, 2025 (changed from August 21, 2025). 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. 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. Press release. Facebook event page.
  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.

• 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