In 1989, Historic Forks of the Wabash and Ball State University participated in a cooperative archaeological dig at the Richardville/Lafontaine home. Since this time, Ball State staff in the Anthropology Department have helped with the research and writing of the history of the site, the Miami Nation, and the Chiefs Richardville and Lafontaine.

The 1989 excavation uncovered 15,000 artifacts and produced an introductory understanding of the site in the 1830s. The vast majority dealt with the history of the house and some of its changes over the past 165 years. The post 1830 artifacts included nails, brick, glass, toys, house wares, and personal items. The 1989 dig consisted of ten dig grids, with the excavation lasting five days.

In 1999, the Forks and Ball State teamed up again for another archaeological dig on the site known as the "Chiefs' Original property." This is the location where the Richardville/Lafontaine home was erected in 1833. The house stood on this site until 1993, when it was relocated because of the expansion of US 24. With this dig, there is a better understanding of the history of the house, what other buildings were constructed in connection with the house, and environmental changes. Ball State University Archaeology staff will create a written report of the findings of the excavation, shovel tests and artifact research.  This report will be place on the web site when completed.