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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
To Help the Sick
In a few days we will happily welcome in the New Year of 2021. The old year, the Pandemic Year, gave all of us unprecedented challenges as we struggled with technology working and learning from home. Zoom allowed many of us to still see our colleagues, friends, and family as … Read More
100 Years Ago: Dec. 25-Jan. 7
From The Indianapolis Times, Friday, December 31, 1920: Dancing the old year out and ushering in the new one has been assured in Indianapolis since the police have sent out word that dancing would be permitted until 1 a.m. The announcement brought joy to the hearts of those bent on … Read More
100 Years Ago: Dec. 18-24
From The Indianapolis Star, Friday, December 24, 1920: The city’s Christmas holiday celebration began last night with public festivities held under large community Christmas trees that had been placed around Indianapolis. From City Hall and the Federal Building in the downtown district to the neighborhoods of Fountain Square, Irvington, Brightwood, … Read More
100 Years Ago: Dec. 11-17
From The Indianapolis News, Thursday, December 16, 1920: All school dances are banned at Shortridge High School until the “ultra-modern and immodest shimmy, camel walk, tickle-toe, and cheek-to-cheek” dances are discarded and more dignified dance steps of previous years are once again taken up by the students, principal George Buck … Read More
100 Years Ago: Dec. 4-10
From The Indianapolis Star, Friday, December 10, 1920: All public eating establishments must be spotless by Monday according to Dr. Herman Morgan, city sanitarian. At that time, a squad of inspectors will be set loose to investigate every eatery in Indianapolis and all violations will be vigorously prosecuted. The campaign … Read More