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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 This Week: Aug. 12-18
From The Indianapolis News, Saturday, August 12, 1916: Thousands of men who came from counties around Indiana to live in Indianapolis are to be counted in a census that will be taken in the business district next week. The purpose is to organize reception committees to receive visitors from the … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Aug. 5-11
From The Indianapolis News, Saturday, August 5, 1916: Classic Irvington is preparing to link hands with frivolity when “Wonderland” opens Tuesday evening at Layman Ave. and Washington St. Sponsored by the Downey Avenue Christian Church Men’s Bible Class, the program features The Newsboys’ Band tootling tunefully while ex-mayor Lew Shank, … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Aug. 5-11
From The Indianapolis News, Saturday, August 5, 1916: A. K. Jones, who has been doing special campaign work for the Indianapolis Y.M.C.A., is going to the Mexican border next week where he will represent the “Y” with the Indiana troops camped at Llano Grande, Texas. He carries a personal message … Read More
The “Ice House”
While we may complain of sweltering summer days of ninety degree temperatures, relief is readily available in our air conditioned homes or businesses and shopping centers. We suffer through traffic delays in our air conditioned cars, and even if we are out-of-doors relaxing in a shaded spot, a refreshing iced … Read More
World War 1 100 Years Ago: July 29-Aug. 4
From The Indianapolis News, Tuesday, August 1, 1916: Unless Hoosiers respond generously this week to the appeal for “little luxuries” for Indiana’s National Guard in Texas, the carload to be sent by the Woman’s Press Club of Indiana will be delayed. Club women throughout the state are urged to collect … Read More