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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: Aug. 21-28
From The Indianapolis News, Friday, August 27, 1915: An invitation has been issued to Indiana civilians to participate in the training camp at Ft. Benjamin Harrison of the 1st Separate Battalion, Indiana National Guard. The cost is nominal and it would give all who cared to attend an opportunity to … Read More
100 Years Ago this Week: Aug. 14-21
From The Indianapolis Star, Saturday, August 14, 1915: The fifty-five children, formerly housed in the Board of Children’s Guardians Home, 5751 University Av, which was destroyed in a blaze last week, were taken to Marion yesterday afternoon by a special rail car, where they will be placed in the orphan’s … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Aug. 7-14
From The Indianapolis Times, Tuesday, August 17, 1915: Provided the proper officials look with favor on the proposition, Indianapolis will soon have daily “community” concerts in its parks during the summer months. The idea was explained to five members of the city council by the Indianapolis Musicians’ Protective Association last … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Aug. 7-14
From The Indianapolis News, Wednesday, August 18, 1915: Resolutions adopted last night by the board of directors of the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce declared that America desired peaceful relations with all the world, but that it must be prepared to defend itself against an enemy at all times. To achieve … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: July 31-Aug. 7
From The Indianapolis Star, Saturday, August 7, 1915: The large lot at Layman Av. and Washington St. assumed the appearance of an immense Japanese garden last night with gayly decorated booths, stands and tents lighted by innumerable Japanese lanterns. The Star Summer Mission Fund officers shivered yesterday as they watched … Read More