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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 April 1863
General Henry B. Carrington and his staff had barely completed the move of the offices of the General Military Headquarters into Andrew Wallace’s new building at the corner of Maryland and Delaware Streets when an immense crowd of deserters and straggling soldiers descended on the headquarters. Meeting the President’s deadline … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: April 12-19
The Indianapolis News, Tuesday, April 15, 1913: The Young Women’s Christian Association has leased the late residence of George B. Yandes, 122 E. Michigan St, for a boarding home for young ladies. This is the first of a number of proposed boarding homes that the YWCA hopes to establish in … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: April 5-12
From The Indianapolis Star, Monday, April 7, 1913: Sunshine and wreckage drew thousands of people to the flood-stricken neighborhoods west of White River yesterday. Jammed streetcars, scores of automobiles and motorcycles, horse drawn vehicles, and crowds of pedestrians brought spectators responding to official appeals for the public to visit the … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week – March 29-April 5
From The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, April 3, 1913: Motor trucks played an important part in relief and rescue work following the flood. The bulk of Indianapolis’ supply of meat, bread, and milk was saved by the vigorous use of power wagons and these vehicles maintained a constant transportation service when … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: March 22-29
From The Indianapolis Star, Wednesday, March 26, 1913: Many persons may have perished in the flood that swept West Indianapolis early last evening after the White River levee at Morris St. was breached. Cries of help heard from men, women, and children trapped when the river burst from its banks … Read More