Pig Roast & Preservation Party: A Night of Discovery and Community

ARI was proud to host a Pig Roast & Preservation Party in conjunction with the Archaeological Society of Ohio (ASO) Artifact Show at the Lawrenceburg Event Center in October 2025. Designed especially for members of the Stateline Chapter of the ASO and artifact show participants, the event brought together archaeology enthusiasts from Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, as well as visitors from as far as St. Louis, North Carolina, and beyond, for an unforgettable night of hands-on fun and shared discovery.

Guests gathered at ARI’s campus just a block from the Lawrenceburg Event Center to enjoy an evening that blended food, fellowship, and field-inspired experiences. The highlight of the meal was a savory pig roast prepared by Dan Leisgang, followed by classic s’mores around the fire pit. Between bites and laughter, guests swapped excavation stories, compared artifact finds, and reflected on the power of archaeology to connect people across regions and generations.

True to ARI’s spirit of experimental archaeology, the evening featured interactive activities that got everyone moving—literally. Guests tested their throwing skills with atlatl spears and cheered as mini trebuchets launched softballs high into the air, combining ancient engineering with modern playfulness.

ARI staff also led guided tours of ARI’s Learning Center and Archaeology Labs, showcasing artifacts and ongoing research. Visitors were especially impressed by ARI’s efforts to engage young people in archaeology, from interactive digital tools to programs that invite students to dig, discover, and think like archaeologists.

The Pig Roast & Preservation Party wasn’t just a dinner—it was a celebration of connection: between professionals and avocational archaeologists, collectors and educators, and communities that share a passion for exploring the past. Events like this remind us why collaboration matters and why preserving our shared heritage is a responsibility—and a joy—we all can share.

We invite you to view the slideshow below for highlights from the evening: the warm glow of the fire pit, friendly competition at the atlatl range, soaring softballs from the trebuchet, and the shared smiles of people discovering history together.