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Author Biography
Steven R. Barnett is Executive Director at the Irvington Historical Society.
Steve Barnett was raised in Irvington. Steve attended School #57, Howe High School (’63), and received a degree from Purdue University (’70). He served in the Indiana National Guard. After a brief hiatus from Irvington, Steve returned to his home town in 1977 with his wife Sue so their three children could grow up in a family friendly environment.
Steve had the good fortune of working with U. S. Representative Andy Jacobs, Jr. and U. S. Representative Julia Carson in the Indianapolis Congressional District Office helping constituents.
After his retirement, Steve became the executive director of the Irvington Historical Society and curator of the Bona Thompson Memorial Center until 2025. Steve was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by Gov. Wallace G. Wilkinson for service to veterans, and he was appointed a Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Joseph Kernan for service to Indiana. In 2016, Steve was named Marion County Historian.
Steven R. Barnett’s Story Archive
100 Years Ago: March 21-27
From The Indianapolis Times, Tuesday, March 24, 1925: Leading business and professional men have joined in the movement with the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce convention bureau to “tell the world” about the merits of the city in order to bring more conventions here. The movement was a result of Dick … Read More
100 Years Ago: March 14-20
From The Indianapolis Star, Wednesday, March 18, 1925: Orange, green, and white, colors of the new Irish republic, predominated yesterday’s parade as practically every Indianapolis person of Irish heritage celebrated the glory of St. Patrick under the auspices of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Thousands of persons lined downtown streets, … Read More
100 Years Ago: March 7-13
From The Indianapolis News, Friday, March 13, 1925: Bishop Joseph Chartrand announced the creation of a new Catholic parish to be known as Little Flower with Rev. Charles Duffey, assistant pastor at St. Patrick’s, as pastor. Located north of Irvington, Little Flower parish will be formed from sections of three … Read More
Indy’s Great Fires
Last month televised news showed images of the devastating wildfires sweeping across the northern suburbs of Los Angeles County, California, leaving whole neighborhoods in ashes. My cousin’s home in Sunset Hollywood Hills was spared as flames raged ten minutes away. Some of his friends lost their homes and familiar streetscapes … Read More
100 Years Ago: Feb. 28-March 6
From The Indianapolis News, Thursday, March 5, 1925: WFBM, the Merchants Heat & Light Co radio station, will formally begin broadcasting at 6:30 tonight with a special program transmitted remotely from the Indianapolis Athletic Club. The program will include selections by the Gus C. Edwards orchestra, playing for the club’s … Read More