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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: June 24-July 7
From The Indianapolis Star, Monday, June 29, 1916: Crowds numbering into the hundreds waited far into the night and early morning at Union Station watching train load after train load of national guardsmen from eastern states – New York’s crack Seventh Regiment; Ambulance Co No. 1 from Boston – pass … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: June 24-July 7
From The Indianapolis News, Friday, June 30, 1916: At a meeting of prominent men and women held at the State House last night, a new society was formed to foster state pride and to help in the preservation of state history. Membership in “Hoosieroons” will be limited to natives of … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: June 17-23
From The Indianapolis News, Thursday, June 22, 1916: The Cornelia Cole Fairbanks Chapter, D. A. R. unveiled a marker at Washington Street and Southeastern Avenue in an impressive ceremony yesterday afternoon. The nearly ten foot high marker is inscribed on its west side, “This milestone marks the crossing of the … Read More
World War I 100 Years Ago: June 17-23
From The Indianapolis Star, Monday, June 19, 1916: President Woodrow Wilson has called out the country’s militia because of deteriorating conditions with Mexico. Gov. Samuel Ralston received the mobilization order from Secretary of War Newton Baker shortly before 1:00 this morning, and Indiana’s National Guard has been ordered at once … Read More
100 Years Ago This Week: June 10-16
From The Indianapolis Star, Thursday, June 15, 1916: An immense crowd gathered at University Square yesterday to witness the ceremonies and hear patriotic speeches commemorating the 139th birthday of Old Glory. The crowd cheered and the band played the Star Spangled Banner as the beautiful silken folds of the Stars … Read More