The Archaeological Institute of America’s ancient-themed Gala was held in New York on April 25, 2012 and hosted by NPR’s Brooke Gladstone. This black-tie affair welcomed the elite from the field of archaeology as well as adventurers, travelers, historians and those guests who grasped this opportunity to envelope themselves in archaeology.
A very special tribute honored the late Crawford H. Greenewalt, Jr. with the Bandelier Award for Public Service to Archaeology for his exemplary work at the site of Sardis in Turkey. Greenewalt joins the ranks of pioneering archaeologists (and previous Bandelier Award recipients) such as George F. Bass and Martha Sharp Joukowsky. Fitting of this great archaeologist, the evening’s theme will evoke the sights, sounds, smells and textures of the ancient land of Turkey.
Jason Munger, Capitale’s award-winning chef, spends months working with an archaeologist to create a feast inspired by the cuisines of ancient Lydia, the Ottoman Empire, and present-day Turkey. Courses were constructed using only ingredients available to these ancient people, while simultaneously enticing the palates of modern-day Gala goers.
A favorite portion of the evening was when paddles were raised to bid on once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. From underwater excavations to tours of China, the live auction gave guests the opportunity to dust off that luggage and travel to the far corners of the earth in support of preserving archaeological sites across the globe. A large silent auction also provided the chance to purchase archaeologically-themed items, handicrafts, antiques and accessories. Visit the auction website before planning your next big adventure as the AIA live and silent auctions offer exclusive travel opportunities that will easily fulfill even the most experienced traveler’s wanderlust.
At the conclusion of the evening’s dinner program, guests were invited to the upstairs lounges for dancing and to enjoy tastings of exotic liquors and Turkish wine.
Mosaic photo copyright: Dick Osseman
