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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: Nov. 27-Dec. 4
From The Indianapolis Times, Saturday, November 27, 1915: Fire of incendiary origin, believed to have been caused by chicken thieves, destroyed a large chicken house in the rear of the home of J. E. Pigman, 126 Linwood Av, early this morning. The flames threatened for a time to spread to … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Nov. 27-Dec. 4
From The Indianapolis Times, Tuesday, November 30, 1915: Mrs. May Wright Sewall of Indianapolis, who was prominent at the woman’s peace conference in San Francisco, is booked to sail on the “Peace Ship” next Saturday at the invitation of Henry Ford. Indiana Governor Samuel Ralston was also invited to be … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Nov. 20-27
From The Indianapolis Star, Monday, November 22, 1915: Countless patriotic Indianapolis citizens and many from surrounding points turned out late last night to pay homage to the Liberty Bell, on its third visit to the city. The decorated special train car bearing the historic bell was switched from the Union … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Nov. 20-27
From The Indianapolis Times, Monday, November 22, 1915: Edward A. Filene, a leading world merchandise expert, addressed the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce today on the “Economic Aspects of the War on American Business.” He said United States businessmen must prepare for a world-wide economic war following the present European conflict. … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Nov. 13-20
From The Indianapolis News, Wednesday, November 17, 1915: Practically every business house run by African-Americans in Indianapolis was closed this morning from 10:00 to 10:30 o’clock during the funeral service for Booker T. Washington. Pictures of Washington draped in the American flag and deep mourning were displayed from many business … Read More