James Fester
@james-fester
James Fester is an educator, community historian, and author passionate about storytelling and experiential learning. His experience includes classroom teaching, educator development, authoring books, and writing content for numerous history periodicals and travel apps. He is a National Park Service volunteer who collaborates on educational programs for national parks and historic monuments highlighting the history and culture of our public lands. His writing has been featured in publications like National Geographic and TED-Ed. He has also written and published two books and is working on a third focused on place-based learning. He currently resides in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota.
Why Was a Dead Pope Put On Trial at the Cadaver Synod?
Pope Formosus accomplished much during his papacy, but he is best known for having his corpse exhumed and put on trial at the Cadaver Synod.
What Makes Cahokia One of North America’s Greatest Ancient Sites?
The ancient city of Cahokia was one of North America’s largest cities until its abandonment and the vanishing of its people.
How Pope Leo X’s Extravagance Broke the Vatican
Pope Leo X spent extravagantly on monumental building projects and art, some financed with Indulgences, leaving a bankrupt Vatican and a Reformation in full swing.
The Debauched Life and Mysterious Death of Pope John XII
Pope John XII’s papacy is considered one of the darkest chapters in the Catholic Church due to his depraved behavior and his political failures.
Prince William Forest Park: The National Park That Trained WWII Spies
During World War II, Prince William Forest Park was taken over by the newly created OSS and used to train spies for the war effort.
Crusading Against Crusaders: Clement V’s Persecution of the Templars
Pope Clement V’s decision to give in to the demands of King Philip IV led to the betrayal and destruction of the Knights Templar.
The Problem with Catholic Popes: Linus and the Petrine Succession
The authority of the Catholic pope, the leader of the Church, relies on a line of succession that includes Linus, an early Christian. There is little evidence supporting his existence.