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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: Feb. 15-21
From The Indianapolis News, Saturday, February 15, 1919: It was announced today by George Coffin, chief of police, that a school for instructing members of the Indianapolis police department in up-to date methods will open next week. The school, to be conducted twice a week, will enable police officers to … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Feb. 15-21
From The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, February 20, 1919: More than 200 returning colored soldiers were honored last night by Gov. Goodrich, Mayor Jewett, friends, and relatives at a home coming welcome held at Tomlinson Hall. The mayor praised the soldiers for their loyalty and the governor paid tribute to the … Read More
100 Years Ago: Feb. 8-14
From The Indianapolis News, Monday, February 10, 1919: Following the announcement by Mayor Jewett last month that he will allow motion picture theaters to operate on Sundays provided they do not open until 1:30 p.m. and that no other amusement is offered but the pictures and musical programs, Miss Clara … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Feb. 8-14
From The Indianapolis Star, Friday, February 14, 1919: The 124 Indiana local boards have reported 13,000 delinquents to the state draft headquarters. Maj. Robert Baltzell, Indiana draft executive, conferred yesterday with L. Ert Slack, U. S. district attorney, to arrange a final review of the records of draft deserters. It … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Feb. 1-7
From The Indianapolis News, Thursday, February 6, 1919: The Indiana state senate voted of 44 to 3 yesterday afternoon on a bill, which had earlier passed the Indiana state house, 90 to 3, giving women the right to vote for presidential electors. A few senators gave impassioned remarks for and … Read More