The Irvington Historical Society was founded in 1964 with the intent to collect and preserve historical materials connected to the history of the greater Irving community and Indianapolis.  The Society's main mission is to promote and further the artistic traditions, heritage, legacy, and artists --- past and present --- of the greater Irvington and Central Indiana community.

The Irvington Historical Society began publishing efforts in the 1970s, including Collected Papers, a series of lectures presented at Society events over the years.  In 1997, the Society published Greater Irvington, an architectural history of the community carried at major bookstores across Central Indiana.

The Society was interested in the fine arts from its inception.  By the 1980s, the organization had gathered dozens of pieces, now the core of one of Central Indiana's best collections of Hoosier School art.  In 2005, the Society, in cooperation with the Indiana Historical Society, was the only Central Indiana host for Creating History: Indiana's Historic Women Artists. This first of its kind historical art exhibit was held at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center (the home of the Irvington Historical Society).

Groups --- national and local --- have honored the Irvington Historical society for its efforts, including Save America's Treasures (1999), Neighborhood Preservation Awards (1996 and 2003) from Historic Landmarks Foundation Of Indiana, and the Fadely Award (Indianapolis - Marion County Historical Society).

IN 2006, the Irvington Historical society and the Historic Irvington community council were successful in their efforts to mark Irvington as a Preserve America Community. Irvington is the first neighborhood in Indiana to be so recognized; First Lady, Laura Bush, personally presented the award to the community in Washington, DC.