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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: April 8-14
From The Indianapolis News, Thursday, April 13, 1922: The James Whitcomb Riley home is now a public shrine. Lockerbie Street neighbors of the Hoosier poet and scores of others gathered this afternoon in front of the flag draped house to pay tribute to Riley as the children’s friend. Pupils of … Read More
100 Years Ago: April 1-7
From The Indianapolis News, Saturday, April 1, 1922: Beginning tomorrow, the eighth national Negro Health Week will be observed in Indianapolis by the Marion County Tuberculosis Society in cooperation with local clubs, churches, and civic improvement organizations. Illustrated talks will be given on hygiene, tuberculosis, nutrition, and infant welfare at … Read More
Indy’s Rosies
Of all the months that could have been designated Women’s History Month, it may seem ironic that March, named for Mars the Roman god of war, was selected. However, it is in some ways a fitting recognition of the important contributions that women have made to our country in times … Read More
100 Years Ago: March 25-31
From The Indianapolis Star, Tuesday, March 28, 1922: WOH, the newest Indianapolis radio station, will air its first official regular programing tomorrow night. Broadcasting from the Hatfield Electric Company Radio Studio, 531 N. Meridian St., the city’s most powerful wireless station will open its program with short addresses by Gov. … Read More
100 Years Ago: March 18-24
From The Indianapolis Star, Tuesday, March 21, 1922: “Daddy Buttons” are being sold for $5 (2020: $79) by the city’s fourteen Girl Scout troops as part of a week-long drive to raise $10,000 (2020: $157,224) to carry on the work of the movement in Indianapolis. Authors Booth Tarkington and Meredith … Read More