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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: Sept. 11-17
From The Indianapolis Star, Sunday, September 12, 1915: It’s a long way from last Christmas, but then it is a long way too from Belgium these days of blockades and delayed mails. The war accounts for the tardy arrival in the United States of artistic souvenir cards sent by the … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Sept. 4-11
From The Indianapolis Times, Friday, September 10, 1915: Boy Scouts have played an important part in the activities of the Indiana State Fair, but not the least has been the first aid service in caring for the sick, injured, and those prostrated with heat. Yesterday afternoon when the temperature was … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Sept. 4-11
From The Indianapolis News, Tuesday, September 7, 1915: Booming cannon, the peppery flash of machine guns, the incessant crackle of rifles, the whir of an aeroplane, the ascent of an observation balloon, and the cheering of 20,000 people provided plenty of thrills at the Speedway yesterday when the “War in … Read More
What Can You Tell Me About My House?
Often visitors to the Bona Thompson Memorial Center will ask me, “What can you tell me about my house?” And I’ll answer, “What is your address? There may be a little information or a lot.” One of the best resources for information about a house is contained in the abstract … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Aug. 28-Sept. 4
From The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, September 2, 1915: Today is Orphans’ Day. Hoosier Motor Club members, driving 100 cars, will take children from various orphanages in Indianapolis for a long afternoon ride. After picking-up the tots, drivers will proceed to University Park, Meridian and New York Streets, to form a … Read More