The Heritage House, located in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, is owned by the Copiah County Board of Supervisors and serves  as the location for the Copiah County Office of Cultural Affairs.  Starting in 2007, this county department provides programs, cultural events and services that enrich and enhance cultural awareness in the Copiah County area.

The Office of Cultural Affairs past services include:

• Journey Stories Exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution
• Summer reading program sponsored by the Mississippi Humanities Council
• Mural Painting Project funded through the Mississippi Arts Commission
• Classes on the History of the Blues as it relates to the Copiah County Region
• A Blues Walking Tour

The responsibilities of the department include the oversight of the Robert Johnson Home Project and monies are currently being raised to restore the home of the famous blues musician born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. The Johnson House is currently located adjacent to the Heritage House.

In addition, the office provides afterschool programming for at-risk youth. Several grant awards from the Mississippi Safety Planning and private foundation support have allowed Heritage House to become a well-furnished technology center for at-risk kids. Modeled after Art programs developed in conjunction with US Juvenile Delinquency Prevention, the afterschool program aims to use the arts to encourage self-expression and develop self-esteem.  House includes a sound studio, video studio, and editing room. Ten MacBooks are also available. Tutoring classes are included in the program.

Since its inception, the Office of Cultural Affairs has been headed by Dr. Janet Schriver, a native Mississippian, who holds a PhD in Humanities from the University of Texas system.  She also holds certifications and degrees in art photography, philosophy, and multimedia programming. Her background includes academic as well as corporate and non-profit experience and extensive work with teens.

Dr. Janet Schriver
Executive Director