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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: December 1864
Reports from Baltimore of a rebel incendiary plot to burn northern cities and the recent incendiary fire in New York City prompted Mayor Caven to issue a warning to the people of Indianapolis that “an attempt to burn the city will be made.” Precautions were to be taken to “see … Read More
100 Years Ago: Dec. 19-Jan. 2
From The Indianapolis News, Friday, December 25, 1914: The Indianapolis Christmas Clearing House, under the direction of executive director Laurel C. Thayer, is being commended by many organizations and individuals for it efficient work in preventing duplication in the distribution of Christmas remembrances to the unfortunate of the city. The … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Dec. 12-19
From The Indianapolis News, Friday, December 18, 1914: Indianapolis floral importers always turn to Europe for Christmas novelties in plants and blooms, and this year’s selections are charged with the flavor of European war. Great quantities of the flowers came from nurseries and gardens which have been or are now … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Dec. 12-19
From The Indianapolis Star, Wednesday, December 16, 1914: The Dunn-McCarty Co of Chicago, contractors constructing the Pogues Run Drain, have completed about 1,550 feet of the structure. Large amounts of reinforcing steel are being used to strengthen the concrete. The walls of the concrete boxes vary in width from 18 … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Dec. 5-12
From The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, December 10, 1914: European countries have always manufactured large quantities of surgical instruments, and the fact that one Indianapolis concern is now providing surgical blades and another is providing medical furniture to countries engaged in the European War is taken as proof that the demand … Read More