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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
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
World War I 100 Years Ago: Aug. 28-Sept. 3
From The Indianapolis Star, Monday, August 30, 1915: Three thousand German-American citizens residing in Indianapolis pledged anew their support to the United States and protested against alleged insinuations of disloyalty toward this country at the annual celebration of German Day at Germania Park yesterday. Standing in the rain beneath a … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Aug. 21-28
From The Indianapolis Times, Wednesday, August 25, 1915: The death knell of the old familiar bushel basket was sounded today by the city inspector of weights and measures, when he ordered all dealers to destroy, hide or ship away this measure by Saturday morning. That’s when the new city ordinance … Read More
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