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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
“O Tannenbaum…”
The fragrance of pine and candle wax. The warm glow of a fire flickering on the hearth. The peaceful calm of moonlight sparkling across the crystals of a fresh snowfall. These are among the memorable images of Christmas past with the center of all being the tree — a brightly … Read More
100 Years Ago: Dec. 21-Jan. 3
From The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, December 26: The heavy demand for candy this Christmas has exceeded any preceding holiday season in Indiana. Because of this desire to satisfy the sweet tooth, some Indianapolis candy makers were unable to supply retailers with all the stock they requested, and some manufacturers were … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Dec. 21-Jan. 3
From The Indianapolis Star, Wednesday, December 25: One of the most important army and navy department auxiliaries is the Red Cross Motor Corps, and it’s one of the few organizations whose work has intensified since the Armistice. The influenza epidemic kept the women of the Indianapolis Red Cross Motor Corps … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: Dec. 14-20
From The Indianapolis News, Monday, December 16: The women’s department of the United States employment service will continue its activities while transitioning from war time conditions to those of peace according to Miss Mamie L. Bass, Indianapolis division superintendent. Offices are now located at 40 S. Capitol Ave. to help … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: Dec. 14-20
From The Indianapolis News, Thursday, December 19: Special efforts are being made by law enforcement to address the “light-fingered” activities of shoplifters, purse openers, and pickpockets who frequent the stores and public places in the downtown district at the height of the Christmas shopping season. A squad of detectives and … Read More