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. We have activities to suit many interests:

• Ballroom dance classes are offered twice during May, on Sundays, Sundays, May 11 and 18 from 5 - 7 p.m. in the academy building. This month: Rumba.

• The Mississippi Art Colony 2008 Traveling Exhibit will be on display at the Cultural Center from May 13 through the middle of June. Since 1948, the Mississippi Art Colony has brought together artists and instructors to create, study, and critique each other’s work. The Mississippi Art Colony passes on the beauty it creates by taking winners of its juried competition to communities across the state.

• A book signing for Martha Skelton: Master Quilter of Mississippi signing will be held at the SCHF Auditorium, Thursday, June 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. The book is an illustrated biography of one of the state's most beloved artisans and teachers. Like all art forms, quilting has its “masters,” and Vicksburg's Martha Butcher Skelton is among them. Noted quilt scholar Mary Elizabeth Johnson chronicles Martha Skelton's life and her development into one of America's foremost quilt artists.

• The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation presents entertainment media journalist, author, playwright, and Vicksburg Native Ellis Nassour. Ellis will present a lecture on his book Honky Tonk Angel and also speak about his interviews with entertainers throughout the years. There will also be Patsy Cline musical tribute performances throughout the evening by Vicksburg vocalist Maria Adona. This event will be held at the SCHF Auditorium on Friday, June 13th at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. A book signing will follow the next day at Lorelei Books on Washington Street.

• The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation presents An Evening with Nevada Barr, the New York Times bestselling author, at the SCHF Auditorium on Tuesday, July 15th 7:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. A book signing will follow the program. Nevada Barr first introduced her wildly popular Park Ranger “Anna Pigeon” fifteen years ago in Track of the Cat, a remarkable debut that earned Barr a host of honors, including an Agatha Award. Members of the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation may make reservations. Non-members may attend without a reservation on a first-come-first-served basis. For more information, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Press release.

• Vicksburg Celebration and Jamboree, honoring the music, art, and culture of our community, October 16 from 5-10 p.m. More info coming soon!

• Now Accepting Vendor Applications for “Holly Days”! The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation presents the inaugural “Holly Days” Arts and Crafts show Saturday, December 6th from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. “Holly Days” will feature a variety of vendors from the city and state to showcase their talents. The show will precede Vicksburg Main Street’s Annual Christmas Parade at 5 p.m. Exhibit space is $40 for SCHF members and $50 for nonmembers. Vendor applications must be turned in no later than September 1st. Contact the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 for an application or for more information. Click here for an application. Download application form.

• Looking for that unique gift for that special someone? Be sure to consider the special Cultural Center Crosses. Created by Mitsy Clendenin, this is the Cross that graces the top of one of Vicksburg’s most historical buildings. All proceeds go to support the buildings and all programs at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center. The crosses are only $12.

• 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.

• A “Special” THANKS goes to Trustmark National Bank For sponsoring the new SCHF image piece rack cards and Phillip and Mitsy Clendenin For their special donation to SCHF.

• Thank you to our Webmaster, Mike Calnan, for your continued assistance in letting the SCHF shine through the internet world...

• Be sure to check out the new musical montage of past programs and events held here at the Center, The Southern Cultural Experience at the bottom of this page. This video will be used to promote the Complex and showcase events. You may even catch a glimpse of someone you know!

• April 2008 newsletter (354 KB Adobe Reader file)