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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
100 Years Ago This Week: Aug. 30-Sept. 6
From The Indianapolis Star, Tuesday, September 2, 1913: Yesterday morning’s parade was the largest Labor Day demonstration ever seen in Indianapolis. More than 3,000 members of organized labor — machinists, metal workers, stove mounters, blacksmiths, carpenters, steam engineers, plumbers, iron workers, cigar makers, bricklayers, printers — many clad in the … Read More
The Civil War — 150th Anniversary: August 1863
Saturday morning, August 1, Indianapolis residents read a letter from a member of the 3rd Indiana Cavalry, published in the Journal, giving an account of the chase of the “notorious John H. Morgan” and his capture in Columbiana County, Ohio thus ending “one of the most memorable raids and pursuits … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Aug. 23-30
From The Indianapolis Star, Sunday, August 24, 1913: The Feast of Lanterns given last night by the Brookside Civic League in Spades Park was one of the most beautiful events of its kind seen in Indianapolis for many years. Thousands of lanterns were strung throughout the park, along the street … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Aug. 16-23
From The Indianapolis News, Monday, August 18, 1913: Frederick Neil Innes and his famous band of 55 members will open the Midsummer Music Festival at the State Fair Coliseum tomorrow night. The Coliseum is the perfect place for hearing music; not a shading of delicate effect is lost so excellent … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Aug. 9-16
From The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, August 14, 1913: A violent rainstorm, with terrific lightning, struck the city about noon yesterday and left a trail of property damage estimated in the thousands of dollars. Much of the damage was due to flooded cellars and fires caused by the lightning. The Indianapolis … Read More