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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
The Civil War 150th Anniversary: July 1865
Indianapolis observed THE FOURTH OF JULY with a “good deal of bunting lazily floating in the air.” The firing of the national salute and the vigorous ringing of bells “for an indefinite period of time” roused the people to celebration. A large crowd gathered in the morning on the grounds … Read More
100 Years Ago: July 17-24
From The Indianapolis News, Friday, July 23, 1915: The city health board announced this afternoon that as soon as arrangements can be completed six children’s welfare dispensaries will be established in the city. The dispensaries are to be placed in the congested districts with a view to reducing infant mortality … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: July 17-24
From The Indianapolis Times, Thursday, July 22, 1915: Pro-German activities in Indianapolis continue. One of the strongest pro-German documents yet put forth is that issued by Hugo Wuelfing, of the realty firm Hugo Wuelfing & Son of this city. In a letter accompanying his remarkable pamphlet Danger, Wuelfing declares it … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: July 10-17
From The Indianapolis Times, Monday, July 12, 1915: Civic Education in Elementary Schools as Illustrated in Indianapolis, a bulletin just issued by the United States Bureau of Education, describes how Indianapolis trains its children for the responsibilities of citizenship. “Indianapolis public schools help the pupil to understand the nature of … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: July 10-17
From The Indianapolis Star, Friday, July 16, 1915: America’s aerial warfare of the future may be successful to some extent as the result of the interest in the work of aviator B. Russell Shaw of Indianapolis, president of the Shaw Aeroplane Co, 3761 N. Illinois St. Yesterday afternoon, Shaw advised … Read More