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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: June 17-23
From The Indianapolis Star, Monday, June 19, 1916: President Woodrow Wilson has called out the country’s militia because of deteriorating conditions with Mexico. Gov. Samuel Ralston received the mobilization order from Secretary of War Newton Baker shortly before 1:00 this morning, and Indiana’s National Guard has been ordered at once … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: June 10-16
From The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, June 15, 1916: An immense crowd gathered at University Square yesterday to witness the ceremonies and hear patriotic speeches commemorating the 139th birthday of Old Glory. The crowd cheered and the band played the Star Spangled Banner as the beautiful silken folds of the Stars … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: June 10-16
From The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, June 15, 1916: Carl G. Fisher, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president, has offered the use of the raceway grounds for a training camp for prospective government aviators as a part of the Indiana general preparedness program. In a letter to Howard I. Coffin, chairman of the … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: June 3-9
The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, June 9, 1916: The Indiana Centennial historical motion picture Indiana has been officially endorsed by Indiana Historical Commission members after they viewed a private showing of the film in the Senate Chamber at the State House. The seven reel film shows in an unusual way the … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: June 3-9
From The Indianapolis Star, Tuesday, June 6, 1916: A large crowd was on hand when The Friends of Irish Freedom held their first meeting last evening at Morrison Hall, 52½ Monument Place, in the interest of the Irish Relief Day Fund. The gathering followed the regular meeting of the Ancient … Read More