-
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. 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
World War I 100 Years Ago: Nov. 13-20
From The Indianapolis News, Wednesday, November 17, 1915: At a meeting of the executive committee of the local branch of the National Security League, yesterday afternoon, arrangements were begun for a mass meeting in Indianapolis to crystallize sentiment for national preparedness. William D. Brewster, field secretary of the National Security … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Nov. 6-13
From The Indianapolis Star, Monday, November 8, 1915: Charles W. Fairbanks, formerly Vice President of the United States, addressed 1,503 men at the Y. M. C. A. “Big Meeting” yesterday at the English Theater on “The Great War.” He said the war costs about $50,000,000 (2014: $1,153,033,390.12) a day, and … Read More