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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: Dec. 13-19
From The Indianapolis Star, Sunday, December 14, 1919: More luxury cars are made in Indianapolis than anywhere else in the United States. While other cities may build more cars and have a larger number of automobile factories, the Hoosier capital is the center of fine car production. Detroit may boast … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Dec. 6-12
From The Indianapolis Star, Monday, December 8, 1919: The Indiana Historical Commission received a report on Indiana’s industrial part in winning the world war. War contracts were awarded to 119 state industries, including 29 Indianapolis companies. Among the local firms providing war matériel were Allison Experimental Co, 2½-ton tractors; E. … Read More
100 Years Ago: Nov. 29-Dec. 5
From The Indianapolis Star, Monday, December 1, 1919: Gambling predominates among vices in Indianapolis, according to the report of the police morals squad. Cards are seldom found when officers break up games of chance as the time-honored game of poker has been almost replaced by the more modern “craps.” Another … Read More
Remembrances
How do we remember heroes? Are they memorialized as armed sentinels of bronze and stone standing vigilant on court house squares and in village parks where once or twice a year a wreath is placed amid words of thanks and praise? Are names emblazoned on plaques of those who served … Read More
100 Years Ago: Nov. 22-28
From The Indianapolis Star, Tuesday, November 25, 1919: Beginning yesterday afternoon at 4 p.m., coal conservation in Indianapolis began in earnest when most factories and stores in the city closed in an effort to help manage coal supplies of electricity producers while coal miners continue to strike. While not compulsory, … Read More