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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 II 100 Years Ago: Oct. 31-Nov. 7
From The Indianapolis Star, Friday, November 6, 1914: The time for receiving donations for the “Christmas Ship” has elapsed. The various toys and other articles are packed and soon the last shipment will be sent to New York. Hoosiers may be assured when the ship reaches the other side of … Read More
The Civil War 150th Anniversary: October 1864
A new era in the city’s history began the evening of Monday, October 3 as the Citizens’ Street Railway Co. put the street car line in operation in time for the opening of the State Fair. A visitor arriving at the Union Depot could now be conveyed conveniently and cheaply … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Oct. 24-31
From The Indianapolis Star, Tuesday, October 27, 1914: Fifteen of the nineteen persons taking the Pasteur treatment at the state laboratory, as the result of being bitten by cats and dogs which have shown signs of rabies, are from Indianapolis. Rabies among dogs and cats is spreading at an alarming … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago This Week: Oct. 24-31
From The Indianapolis Star, Saturday, October 24, 1914: The effects of the European war have come to the corner saloon by way of the war tax. In an effort to replace the revenue lost with the decline of import tariffs, the tax on a barrel of beer is now $1.50 … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Oct. 17-24
From The Indianapolis News, Monday, October 19, 1914: Employees of the board of park commissioners began work today on the proposed boulevard along both banks of Pleasant Run from Washington Street to Ritter Avenue. The board expects to get the work along the west bank of the stream from Washington … Read More