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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 12-18
From The Indianapolis News, Thursday, April 17, 1919: Pieces of war machinery – heavy guns, thirty-six inch searchlights, ammunition trucks painted in gaudy camouflage, anti-aircraft guns – passed through downtown streets today during the parade of a detachment of coast artillery on tour to promote the Victory Liberty Loan campaign. … Read More
100 Years Ago: April 12-18
From The Indianapolis Star, Monday, April 18, 1919: An oil well, drilled to the depth of 869 feet, was completed a few days ago at Meridian St. and the canal. Already 400 feet of oil is in the well casing, and the successful drilling of this well has led to … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: April 5-11
From The Indianapolis News, Saturday, April 5, 1919: Since last April when prohibition came to Indiana, homemade concoctions for the real stuff have been developed. “Old John Barleycorn” adherents have experimented making some strange and fancy substitutes for domestic use. Home-brewed beer made from a so-called extract of malt and … Read More
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