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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: May 6-12
From The Indianapolis News, Wednesday, May 10, 1916: The board of public works has received complaints from contractors engaged in making public improvements that labor is scarce in Indianapolis. Although laborers are being paid 22½ cents (2015: $4.94) an hour, contractors say it is almost impossible for them to get enough … Read More
Ellenberger Park
Not all of the building blocks that make up our neighborhoods are brick and mortar. There are woods and meadows — green space to ease the eyes and refresh the soul. When my mother came to Indianapolis from the gritty industrial city of Akron, Ohio — Rubber City — she … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: April 29-May 5
From The Indianapolis News, Thursday, May 4, 1916: Plans have been completed for the mass meeting tomorrow night of the friends of Irish freedom, at Morrison Hall, 52½ Monument Place. It will be a memorial meeting for the three leaders of the Irish revolution (Easter Rebellion) who were executed by … Read More
100 Years Ago: April 29-May 5
From The Indianapolis News, Thursday, May 4, 1916: Subscriptions to the Indianapolis gift to the state park fund has reached $14,844 (2015: $326,183). Thirty-five clubs have sent subscriptions to the state park committee and the Indianapolis Real Estate Board has appointed a special committee to canvass its membership for contributions … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: April 22-28
From The Indianapolis News, Tuesday, April 25: Protesting against a break of friendly relations with Germany, German-American residents of Indianapolis, Evansville, Terre Haute and South Bend today sent a large number of telegrams to Indiana’s Congressional delegation appealing to them to do their utmost to prevent war with Germany. Coordinated … Read More