-
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 This Week: Oct. 14-20
From The Indianapolis News, Thursday, October 19, 1916: First steps to assure a clean election were taken yesterday when a committee of two officials of the Church Federation and other good citizens met with United States district attorney L. Ert Slack and received a promise that he would give immediate … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Oct. 14-20
From The Indianapolis Star, Monday, October 16, 1916: “An Embargo On All Foodstuffs” is the slogan that the Retail Grocers’ Association will be sounding at the Pure Food Show which opens today. Indianapolis grocers, as well as retailers elsewhere, are taking up the idea of keeping foodstuffs in America. “We … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Oct. 7-13
From The Indianapolis News, Tuesday, October 10, 1916: Plans by the Federal Government to establish a free labor bureau in Indianapolis for women and young girls were approved today by several of the city’s clubwomen and women interested in the work of the Y. M. C. A. Pledges of support … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Oct. 6-13
From The Indianapolis News, Monday, October 9, 1916: The War Department instituted today the most vigorous campaign ever conducted for recruits to the United States Army, except in time of war, to increase its peace-time strength from 130,000 men to 216,000 men. Accounting for men leaving the service, it is … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Sept. 30-Oct. 6
From The Indianapolis Star, Sunday, October 1, 1916: Beginning tomorrow and continuing for the next two weeks the people of Indiana will celebrate the Hoosier statehood centennial. Indianapolis will host the great occasion which will be an immense reunion of all Hoosiers from around the state and beyond. Dramatic and … Read More