The Story of Whiskey City is Coming April 26th, 2025

The Story of Whiskey City

The Archaeological Research Institute invites you to join us for our second-annual gala event The Story of Whiskey City.

Last year we spent a raucous night with Indiana’s King of Bootleggers, George Remus, uncovering Indiana’s wild and storied prohibition past.

THIS YEAR LET’S DIG DEEPER.

For centuries, Lawrenceburg has been shaped by the river that runs through it, the land that nourishes it, and the spirits—both legendary and distilled—that define it. From ancient farmers cultivating the fertile valley, to secret whiskey deals fueling Prohibition-era fortunes, to an unexpected wartime shift from bourbon to life-saving penicillin—this city’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and risk.

Join us for The Story of Whiskey City, where history flows as freely as the whiskey, and every sip holds a tale waiting to be told.

Step into the past. Raise a glass to the future.

 

Who does this benefit? The Archaeological Research Institute is a nonprofit organization that preserves and conserves natural and cultural resources in our region. They offer educational programming and learning opportunities for locals and visitors of all ages.

Attire: Cocktail/formal

VIP Entry starts at 6:00 PM

General admission starts at 7:00 PM

EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE – Use Code GOODVEVIL for $25 off

General Event Information:

  • Cash Bar
  • Appetizers
  • Music
  • Gambling (for a good cause)
  • Dancing
  • Whiskey Tasting
When:
April 26, 2025
Where:

The Historic Whiskey City Liberty Theater
229 Walnut St, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025

Cost:
General Admission: $100
VIP $125

Sponsorship Opportunities

2025 ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Supporting ARI’s Mission Year-Round

At the Archaeological Research Institute (ARI), we believe history is more than just artifacts—it’s the stories, landscapes, and legacies that shape our communities. Our work is dedicated to exploring, preserving, researching, and educating so that the cultural heritage of Lawrenceburg and the Ohio River Valley remains accessible and meaningful for generations to come.

As an annual sponsor, your partnership will support ARI’s three major fundraising events and our year-round educational programs, archaeological research, and land stewardship initiatives. Your contribution will help ensure that ARI continues to offer immersive hands-on experiences, protect archaeological sites, and bring history to life for thousands of visitors each year.

Why Become an Annual Sponsor?

Your sponsorship directly supports:

The Story of Whiskey City Gala – Our largest fundraising event, expected to host 300 guests. The Adventure Trek – A high-energy archaeology-themed challenge with an optional off-road 5k, attracting over 200 participants. Pumpkin STEM Games – An educational event drawing 300+ attendees, featuring hands-on STEM activities and engineering competition at the Carriage House Farm in North Bend, OH. Monthly Artifact ID Days – Engaging the public in discovering and learning about cultural artifacts, fossils and local geology. Happy Hour History Speaker Series – Bringing expert talks on archaeology, history, and preservation to the community. Land Stewardship & Site Protection – Managing and maintaining the Guard Archaeological Preserve (GAP) to protect our region’s history. Educational Programming – Hands-on experiences for over 1,500 students and visitors annually. Ongoing Archaeological Research – Excavations, artifact analysis, and preservation efforts at historically significant sites.

As a sponsor, you will align your brand with ARI’s mission-driven initiatives while receiving year-round visibility, exclusive experiences, and unique recognition opportunities.

 

$25,000 +

Platinum Level (Annual Title Sponsor)

Recognition:

  • Title sponsor of all 2025 ARI Signature Events (The Story of Whiskey City Gala, Adventure Trek, Pumpkin STEM Festival)
  • Exclusive branding as the Annual Title Sponsor for:
    • Guard Archaeological Preserve (GAP) Programming
    • Base Camp & Learning Center Programming
  • Logo placement on billboards, advertising materials, social media, and event handouts.
  • Company banner at GAP & placement on the ARI website as a leading sponsor.
  • Featured article in ARI’s newsletter.

Exclusive Access:

  • VIP behind-the-scenes tour for up to 10 guests, featuring ARI’s prehistoric artifacts, excavation projects, and research lab.
  • Team building experience for your team at a Private ARI Spears & Beers Event
  • Opportunity for company spokesperson remarks at ARI’s The Story of Whiskey City Gala and special events.

Event Tickets:

  • 12 VIP tickets to The Story of Whiskey City Gala. 
  • 8 VIP Tickets to each of ARI’s other fundraising events.

 

$10,000 – Gold Level

Recognition:

  • Sponsor of all three ARI Signature Events (The Story of Whiskey City Gala, Adventure Trek, Pumpkin STEM Festival)
  • Company name included in media coverage and press releases.
  • Logo featured on social media, ARI website, event signage, and marketing materials.

Exclusive Access:

  • Invitation to a private VIP our of ARI’s active dig sites and research facilities.
  • Team building experience for your team at a Private ARI Spears & Beers Event.
  • Recognition in ARI’s quarterly newsletter and event handouts.

Event Tickets:

  • 10 VIP tickets to The Story of Whiskey City Gala. 
  • 6 VIP Tickets to each of ARI’s other fundraising events.

 

$5,000 – Silver Level

Recognition:

  • Sponsor of all ARI Signature Events (The Story of Whiskey City Gala, Adventure Trek, Pumpkin STEM Festival)
  • Logo placement on event signage, social media, and the ARI website.
  • Recognition in ARI’s newsletter and program materials.

Exclusive Access:

  • Invitation to a VIP tour of an active excavation site.
  • Team building experience for your team at a Private ARI Spears & Beers Event

Event Tickets:

  • 8 VIP tickets to The Story of Whiskey City Gala.
  • 4 VIP tickets to one additional ARI fundraising event.

 

 

Sponsors contributing at the Bronze Level or below ($2,500 or less) may choose to sponsor a specific experience at one of our major events or help support our hands-on experiences.

 

$2,500 – Bronze Level (GAP Sponsor)

Recognition:

  • Supports the Guard Archaeological Preserve.
    • Experimental archaeology programming
    • Land stewardship department that manages the plantings, trails ,and experimental gardens
    • Augmented reality program
  • Logo on event signage, social media, and website.
  • Recognition at the chosen event (The Story of Whiskey City Gala, Adventure Trek, or Pumpkin STEM.

Event Tickets:

  • 6 VIP tickets to the selected event.

 

$1,000 – Orange Level (Single Department Sponsor)

Recognition:

  • Supports the Experimental Archaeology Department.
    • Purchases Materials for the department
    • Pays for Workshops with trade experts
  • Logo on event signage.

Event Tickets:

  • 4 VIP tickets to the selected event. 

 

$500 – Blue Level (Supporting Sponsor) 

Recognition:

  • Supports ongoing archaeological research.
  • Logo placement on event signage and program materials.  

Event Tickets:

  • 2 VIP tickets to the selected event. 

 

Volunteer

Our volunteer opportunities range from working alongside staff archaeologists, pursuing your own historic and archaeological research or helping up with general ARI operations and events.

Learn More >

University and School Partnerships

Interested in sending your students to our field school? Contact us today to learn about one of our many opportunities for student learning.

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