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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
World War I 100 Years Ago: April 5-11
From The Indianapolis News, Monday, April 7, 1919: “Welcome Home Day” is the official name selected by the joint committee planning the reception in May to pay tribute to the thousands of Hoosier soldiers, sailors, and marines returning from France. The exact date of the celebration hinges on the return … Read More
Home of the Good Shepherd
Last fall NPR aired a series of investigative stories about the treatment of incarcerated women in prisons across the United States. The report found that female inmates are “disciplined more often and more harshly than men for low-level violations.” The report also found that some institutions rationed “basic hygienic supplies,” … Read More
100 Years Ago: March 29-April 4
From The Indianapolis News, Wednesday, April 2, 1919: The Woman’s Franchise League of Indiana will endorse the newly organized League of Women Voters in the closing session of its convention tomorrow. Last week, Indiana delegates to the national suffrage convention in St. Louis voted for the proposed League of Women … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: March 29-April 4
From The Indianapolis Star, Tuesday, April 1, 1919: Ellis Searles, editor of the United Mine Workers’ Journal, has been appointed by the city librarian to collect all the historical materials connected with the war history of Marion County. Original documents, resolutions, buttons, posters, service flags and war relics are among … Read More
100 Years Ago: March 22-28
From The Indianapolis Star, Wednesday, March 26, 1919: The reconstruction and paving of the National Road from Richmond to Terre Haute will be the first great road-building project undertaken by the newly created State Highway Commission according to state senator Luke Duffey following his meeting with Gov. Goodrich. The road … Read More