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 2026 Activities suit many interests, and our 1999-2025 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!
  Part-time event set-up.
  Part-time cleaning.
  For more information, please call 601.631.2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

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

• Line Dance Practices in the SCHC Academy Dance Room. For August 2026, practices will be Monday night, August 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 starting at 5:30 p.m. From 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. We will focus on Line Dances. From 7:00 to 7:30 p.m., we will do Country Swing/Partner Dances. Admission is $5/person. For more information call the Southern Cultural Heritage Center business office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

• Southern Book Club, Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 6 p.m. The Southern Book Club meets the third Wednesday of each month. August’s pick is Bertie's Theory of Ice Cream by Alexander McCall Smith. For more information or meeting location, please call 601.631.2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

• The 38th Annual Over the River Run, Saturday, October 10th, 2026 at 8 a.m. CST at the Old Mississippi River Bridge located at I-20 and Washington Street. The Foundation along with many sponsors and volunteers present this very special community venture. This event welcomes hundreds to the City of Vicksburg and will serve as a wonderful family event. Join us in keeping a Vicksburg tradition running strong! For 38 years, the Over the River Run has brought runners, walkers, families, businesses, and our community together for a fun and memorable event. What began decades ago has become a beloved tradition that celebrates fitness, community, and the unique spirit of Vicksburg.
  Run-Walk Trifold Entry Form.
  Online Registration.
  Facebook event page.
  Press release.
  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. Family packages are available, as well. After September 18th, entry fees will be $40 for the 5-mile race and $25 for the 1-mile fun run. Register early to receive your OVER THE RIVER RUN T-SHIRT! 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. Entry forms and fees can be dropped off at SCHF Business Office or mailed to SCHF, 1302 Adams Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180 or register online at www.RaceRoster.com. Race packet pick-up will be on October 9th at the SCHF Auditorium (corner of Crawford and Cherry Streets) from 3:00-6:00pm and the morning of the race at the race site.
  The race will benefit the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation, your community’s cultural center. Proceeds from the race will support the continued programming and preservation efforts of the SCHC. Help us make year 38 the best year yet!
  For more information, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.

• River Kids Free After School Art Program. Fall Semester begins August 20, 2026. 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.

• SCHF Receives Mississippi Arts Commission Grant. The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation has been awarded a $14,400 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This grant is a portion of the $1.7 million in grants MAC awarded in Fiscal Year 2026 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. “Mississippi is a vibrant hub of artistic talent that enriches lives and fuels local economies throughout our state,” said David Lewis, executive director for the Mississippi Arts Commission. “With the generous support from the Mississippi Legislature, we can leverage our citizens’ creativity to invest in our communities.” More. Press release.

• 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.

• 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