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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
150th Anniversary of the Civil War: December 1863
December began with the Rumsey’s Minstrels performing at Masonic Hall which provided a diversion to the citizens of Indianapolis from accounts of the Battles of Chattanooga – Missionary Ridge, Wauhatchie, and Lookout Mountain. These contests were “proven to be among the most successful ones of the war,” but the accompanying … Read More
100 Years Ago this Week: Dec. 20-Jan. 3
From The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, December 25, 1913: An estimated crowd of 700 persons gathered around the towering Christmas tree, glittering with a myriad of incandescent lights, tinsel and American flags, in University Square early last night as the seventy-five members of the People’s Chorus sang traditional Christmas hymns to … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Dec. 13-20
From The Indianapolis News, Thursday, December 18, 1913: Dr. Herman G. Morgan, city sanitarian, is warning every city milk distributor that the sale of “manufactured” milk as cow’s milk, unless properly labeled, is prohibited and violators will be promptly prosecuted. The sale of manufactured milk as fresh milk is regarded … Read More
The West Baden Angels
An Indiana Mystery — the Angels of West Baden — is now on exhibit at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 E. University Ave., as part of the Irvington Historical Society’s permanent collection. Hoosier photographic artist Pamela Mougin created these life-size images from the original angel paintings that are hidden … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Dec. 6-13
From The Indianapolis Star, Monday, December 1, 1913: The new Irvington photo-play house at Washington St and Johnson Av will open Wednesday night. The one-story brick structure was erected by the Guthrie-Thompson Co for the Idle Hour Amusement Co at a cost of nearly $15,000. The house is modern with … Read More