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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
World War I 100 Years Ago: July 20-26
The Indianapolis Star, Sunday, July 21: At the suggestion of President Wilson, the Council of National Defense has requested physical examinations of every child in the United States under the age of 6. This survey is a direct outcome of military examinations of men who were rejected for military service. … Read More
100 Years Ago: July 20-26
From The Indianapolis Star, Friday, July 26: Mayor Jewett and members of the board of public safety inspected eighteen fire engine houses yesterday, and the mayor said, “This inspection convinced me that the Indianapolis firemen are the finest housekeepers in town.” However, leaky roofs and bad floors were found in … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: July 13-19
From The Indianapolis News, Friday, July 19: Miss Mary Meyers, secretary of the Marion County Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis, reported to the Woman’s Improvement Club that the county council will be asked to appropriate sufficient funds to erect cottages for children and black patients at the Sunnyside Sanatorium. … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: July 13-19
From The Indianapolis Star, Friday, July 19: At 5 o’clock yesterday afternoon, tied-down factory whistles shrieked and church bells rang out across Indianapolis beginning a prolonged, impromptu salute to the American army’s successful four-mile advance against the Germans. Workers rushed from their work stations into factory yards and gave cheers … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: July 6-12
From The Indianapolis Star, Monday, July 8: The Woodruff Place Club, a community social center in Woodruff Place, will become the second soldiers’ recreational house in Indianapolis, and will be named the War Camp Community Service Recreational House. The large two-story clubhouse is near the Army Vocational School on the … Read More