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I love sharing stories and my research with others. I've been doing it professionally for the past 35 years and take special pride in enlightening others with the history of not only their current surroundings, but commemorating the individuals who helped create and shape the Frederick County we know and love today.
LECTuRE COURSES
CHRIS HAUGH'S
"FREDERICK HISTORY 101" LECTURE CLASS
Frederick, Maryland's 275 year-old story is presented in four classes by award-winning historian and documentarian Chris Haugh. Students will learn about the city's 1745 founding in the backlands of the Maryland colony up to its standing today as one of the top residential and tourist destinations in the US. Based on his 1995 documentary "Frederick Town," Chris will lead a passionate exploration through the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries with colorful storytelling and an array of multi-media elements. Participants are guaranteed to gain a better understanding and appreciation of Frederick and past citizens, while enjoying this immersive experience within the confines of one of the country's most historic and beautiful cemeteries-commonly referred to in earlier times as "Frederick's Other City."
5-part Course
*Next HSP session: April-May 2026
Thursdays (6-8pm)
(April 24, May 1, 8,15,22)
"FREDERICK HISTORY 101" LECTURE CLASS
Frederick, Maryland's 275 year-old story is presented in four classes by award-winning historian and documentarian Chris Haugh. Students will learn about the city's 1745 founding in the backlands of the Maryland colony up to its standing today as one of the top residential and tourist destinations in the US. Based on his 1995 documentary "Frederick Town," Chris will lead a passionate exploration through the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries with colorful storytelling and an array of multi-media elements. Participants are guaranteed to gain a better understanding and appreciation of Frederick and past citizens, while enjoying this immersive experience within the confines of one of the country's most historic and beautiful cemeteries-commonly referred to in earlier times as "Frederick's Other City."
5-part Course
*Next HSP session: April-May 2026
Thursdays (6-8pm)
(April 24, May 1, 8,15,22)
CHRIS HAUGH'S
"FREDERICK HISTORY 201" CLASS
A full overview and great deal of information was covered in the "101" class, but here in "201" things are slowed down a bit for closer inspection and discussion of events and individuals that helped shape the Frederick we have today. This course will employ PowerPoint slides, along with video clips from the "Frederick Town" documentary. Best of all, we will feature a special guest historian each week who will drop by for a "one on one" talk with Chris on specific aspects of our rich history. (Recorded interviews with Christina Martinkosky, Tee & Theresa (Mathias) Michel, John Ashbury & Don Linton)
2 parts
Next session: FCC-ILR**
Fall 2026 (Date TBA)
(See FCC ILR Fall 2026 Catalog/website to register)
"FREDERICK HISTORY 201" CLASS
A full overview and great deal of information was covered in the "101" class, but here in "201" things are slowed down a bit for closer inspection and discussion of events and individuals that helped shape the Frederick we have today. This course will employ PowerPoint slides, along with video clips from the "Frederick Town" documentary. Best of all, we will feature a special guest historian each week who will drop by for a "one on one" talk with Chris on specific aspects of our rich history. (Recorded interviews with Christina Martinkosky, Tee & Theresa (Mathias) Michel, John Ashbury & Don Linton)
2 parts
Next session: FCC-ILR**
Fall 2026 (Date TBA)
(See FCC ILR Fall 2026 Catalog/website to register)
PREHISTORICK FREDERICK
Based on the documentary entitled “Monocacy: The pre-history of Frederick County, Maryland,” this course will take students on a 1.2 billion year- journey to better understand and appreciate the cataclysmic events that shaped our present day landscape. The course will also explore the earliest lifeforms from marine organisms, dinosaurs to native-aboriginal man. Bite-sized portions of geology, meta-geography, biology, archeology, and anthropology will be introduced in layman's terms within a multi-media presentation of video excerpts, PowerPoint-lecture and touch object “show and tell.”
in 3 classes/parts
Next session: FCC-ILR**
April 2026
Tuesdays 2-4pm (April 28, May 5, 12)
(See FCC ILR Spring 2026 Catalog/website to register)
Based on the documentary entitled “Monocacy: The pre-history of Frederick County, Maryland,” this course will take students on a 1.2 billion year- journey to better understand and appreciate the cataclysmic events that shaped our present day landscape. The course will also explore the earliest lifeforms from marine organisms, dinosaurs to native-aboriginal man. Bite-sized portions of geology, meta-geography, biology, archeology, and anthropology will be introduced in layman's terms within a multi-media presentation of video excerpts, PowerPoint-lecture and touch object “show and tell.”
in 3 classes/parts
Next session: FCC-ILR**
April 2026
Tuesdays 2-4pm (April 28, May 5, 12)
(See FCC ILR Spring 2026 Catalog/website to register)
"INDIAN TRIBES, EXPLORERS and FUR TRADERS IN THE MONOCACY VALLEY"
Based on the video documentary entitled “Sugarloaf: The Quest for Riches and Redemption in the Monocacy Valley," this course features a historical journey into the once, "howling wilderness" of today’s Frederick County as it existed between three and four centuries ago. This period encompasses the European Contact and Colonial periods (1600s and early 1700s), and nicely bridges the pre-history of the region to the point of Maryland's 1634 founding and European habitation over the next century. The course will explore the American Indian tribes who lived here in the Monocacy and Middletown Valleys, along with European explorers and fur traders who once travelled the area that would later become Frederick County in 1748. The course will be taught through film excerpts and PowerPoint-lecture.
3-part course
*Next session TBA
Based on the video documentary entitled “Sugarloaf: The Quest for Riches and Redemption in the Monocacy Valley," this course features a historical journey into the once, "howling wilderness" of today’s Frederick County as it existed between three and four centuries ago. This period encompasses the European Contact and Colonial periods (1600s and early 1700s), and nicely bridges the pre-history of the region to the point of Maryland's 1634 founding and European habitation over the next century. The course will explore the American Indian tribes who lived here in the Monocacy and Middletown Valleys, along with European explorers and fur traders who once travelled the area that would later become Frederick County in 1748. The course will be taught through film excerpts and PowerPoint-lecture.
3-part course
*Next session TBA
FREDERICK, MARYLAND IN THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR
Chris Haugh oversaw the production of an Emmy® award-winning film entitled “Maryland’s Heart of the Civil War." The documentary debuted in 2012 and was produced by MPT (Maryland Public Television), airing on PBS stations nationwide. In this 3-part course, Chris will offer a detailed recap of events that tied Frederick, both city and county, to the greatest political and physical struggle fought to preserve or destroy the young United States of America. Through the use of illustrated PowerPoint presentations, diary entries and anecdotes from newspapers/history accounts and clips from the “Maryland’s Heart of the Civil War” documentary, this course will explore the three major campaigns that came through our area and the direct impact the Civil War had on the local landscape and citizenry.
4-part Course
Next Session TBA
Chris Haugh oversaw the production of an Emmy® award-winning film entitled “Maryland’s Heart of the Civil War." The documentary debuted in 2012 and was produced by MPT (Maryland Public Television), airing on PBS stations nationwide. In this 3-part course, Chris will offer a detailed recap of events that tied Frederick, both city and county, to the greatest political and physical struggle fought to preserve or destroy the young United States of America. Through the use of illustrated PowerPoint presentations, diary entries and anecdotes from newspapers/history accounts and clips from the “Maryland’s Heart of the Civil War” documentary, this course will explore the three major campaigns that came through our area and the direct impact the Civil War had on the local landscape and citizenry.
4-part Course
Next Session TBA
Established in 1748, the north-central Maryland environs of Frederick County is a perfect case study for African-American cultural history, as it once represented “a border county within a border state” during the American Civil War, being situated below the Mason-Dixon Line and Pennsylvania to the north, and the Potomac River and Virginia to the south. Chris Haugh produced the 1997 documentary/film entitled “Up From the Meadows: A History of Black Americans in Frederick County, Maryland.” As the title suggests, this program includes an interesting study of Frederick County Black history through the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, covering the time periods from slavery to emancipation, and segregation to civil rights equality within a divided Maryland. “Up From the Meadows” features an esteemed group of former residents as on-camera commentators including Kathleen Snowden, William O. Lee, Jr., Lord Nickens, Arnold Delauter and Dr. Blanche Bourne-Tyree to name a few.
4-part Course
*Next session: Online via Zoom in February 2026
Mondays 6-8pm (February 2, 9, 16, 23)
4-part Course
*Next session: Online via Zoom in February 2026
Mondays 6-8pm (February 2, 9, 16, 23)
LEGENDS OF FREDERICK: Francis Scott Key
Francis Scott Key (August 1, 1779 – January 11, 1843)was a Frederick native as well as a lawyer, author, and poet, best known for penning the poem "Defence of Fort McHenry", which was set to a popular British tune and eventually became the American national anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner." In 1814 Key observed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore during the War of 1812. He was inspired upon seeing an American flag flying over the fort at dawn: his poem was published within a week with the suggested tune of the popular song "To Anacreon in Heaven." The song with Key's lyrics became known as "The Star-Spangled Banner" and slowly gained in popularity as an unofficial anthem, finally achieving official status as the national anthem more than a century later under President Herbert Hoover. Learn more about this man's life, times and the song he wrote.
1 part
Next Session: Online via Zoom in January 2026
Thursday, January 22 (7-9pm)
Francis Scott Key (August 1, 1779 – January 11, 1843)was a Frederick native as well as a lawyer, author, and poet, best known for penning the poem "Defence of Fort McHenry", which was set to a popular British tune and eventually became the American national anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner." In 1814 Key observed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore during the War of 1812. He was inspired upon seeing an American flag flying over the fort at dawn: his poem was published within a week with the suggested tune of the popular song "To Anacreon in Heaven." The song with Key's lyrics became known as "The Star-Spangled Banner" and slowly gained in popularity as an unofficial anthem, finally achieving official status as the national anthem more than a century later under President Herbert Hoover. Learn more about this man's life, times and the song he wrote.
1 part
Next Session: Online via Zoom in January 2026
Thursday, January 22 (7-9pm)
LEGENDS OF FREDERICK: Gov. Thomas Johnson, Jr.
Thomas Johnson, Jr. was the first elected governor of Maryland. Born in Calvert County, Maryland in 1732, his early education was received at home. He went on to study law and by 1756 was licensed to practice. He soon came to Frederick. Along with his legal career, Johnson was a business entrepreneur and had a long and distinguished career in politics. He even led troops in battle during the American Revolution.
1 part
Next Session: TBA
Thomas Johnson, Jr. was the first elected governor of Maryland. Born in Calvert County, Maryland in 1732, his early education was received at home. He went on to study law and by 1756 was licensed to practice. He soon came to Frederick. Along with his legal career, Johnson was a business entrepreneur and had a long and distinguished career in politics. He even led troops in battle during the American Revolution.
1 part
Next Session: TBA
LEGENDS OF FREDERICK: Barbara Fritchie
Barbara Fritchie (1766-1862) was a Unionist during the American Civil War, celebrated for her patriotism, although the most famous story about her is largely mythical. She became a folk hero through John Greenleaf Whittier's 1863 poem, "Barbara Frietchie," which recounts her supposedly defiant act of waving a Union flag at Stonewall Jackson's troops as they marched through Frederick, Maryland. While the exact event is debated, she was a real historical figure who was known for her loyalty to the Union and died at the age of 96.
1 part
Next Session: Online via Zoom in September 2026
Thursday, September 10 (7-9pm)
Barbara Fritchie (1766-1862) was a Unionist during the American Civil War, celebrated for her patriotism, although the most famous story about her is largely mythical. She became a folk hero through John Greenleaf Whittier's 1863 poem, "Barbara Frietchie," which recounts her supposedly defiant act of waving a Union flag at Stonewall Jackson's troops as they marched through Frederick, Maryland. While the exact event is debated, she was a real historical figure who was known for her loyalty to the Union and died at the age of 96.
1 part
Next Session: Online via Zoom in September 2026
Thursday, September 10 (7-9pm)
LEGENDS OF FREDERICK: Jacob Engelbrecht
Jacob Engelbrecht, a tailor and former mayor, kept a diary of Frederick events and opinions from 1819-1878 (the year of his death). He had a front row seat to American history, and journaled about it from his hometown of Frederick. His diary recorded everything he saw over 60 years, and has been published by the Historical Society of Frederick County. “The son of a Hessian prisoner of war during the American Revolution, Jacob Engelbrecht (1797-1878) was a keen observer who left behind a vivid record of life along the 19th century National Road.” This work is highly valued by genealogists and historians alike.
1 part
Next Session: Online via Zoom in February, 2026
Saturday, February 7 (10am-12noon)
Jacob Engelbrecht, a tailor and former mayor, kept a diary of Frederick events and opinions from 1819-1878 (the year of his death). He had a front row seat to American history, and journaled about it from his hometown of Frederick. His diary recorded everything he saw over 60 years, and has been published by the Historical Society of Frederick County. “The son of a Hessian prisoner of war during the American Revolution, Jacob Engelbrecht (1797-1878) was a keen observer who left behind a vivid record of life along the 19th century National Road.” This work is highly valued by genealogists and historians alike.
1 part
Next Session: Online via Zoom in February, 2026
Saturday, February 7 (10am-12noon)
"FREDERICK & THE WILD WEST"
At the time of its creation, Frederick town was on the western frontier of Maryland and American European settlement. Over the next century and a half, westward expansion would reach across the continent to the Pacific Ocean. Frederick has several ties to this important story through past residents, subtle roles in national events such as the Lewis & Clark Expedition, California Gold Rush, Indian Wars and the US Cavalry and visits to town by legendary "Wild West" icons such as Buffalo Bill Cody. I guess you could call it "Frederick's Manifest Destiny."
Class # 4 consists of a 2-hour "Wild West"-inspired walking tour of Mount Olivet Cemetery focusing on individuals talked about in class and buried here.
Next Session: TBA
At the time of its creation, Frederick town was on the western frontier of Maryland and American European settlement. Over the next century and a half, westward expansion would reach across the continent to the Pacific Ocean. Frederick has several ties to this important story through past residents, subtle roles in national events such as the Lewis & Clark Expedition, California Gold Rush, Indian Wars and the US Cavalry and visits to town by legendary "Wild West" icons such as Buffalo Bill Cody. I guess you could call it "Frederick's Manifest Destiny."
Class # 4 consists of a 2-hour "Wild West"-inspired walking tour of Mount Olivet Cemetery focusing on individuals talked about in class and buried here.
Next Session: TBA
"WOMEN IN FREDERICK HISTORY"
We have women to thank for many of the biggest and best contributions to Frederick's rich history. This course chronicles interesting events and institutions on the local level, and spotlights a collection of inspiring and influential female figures who helped pave the way. Over the years, these trailblazers worked tirelessly in their own ways to make the world a better place and shape the course of history, whether they were successful in business, on the front lines of important protests, made important contributions to the arts, represented their country at the Olympics, or inspired fellow women to speak their own minds. They have all brought their innovative beliefs and talents to life with dedication, passion, and plenty of hard work. Class #4 will include a special walking tour at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
4-part Course
Inaugural Session: March 2026
Key Chapel (Mount Olivet Cemetery)
Tuesdays 6-8pm (March 10, 17, 24, 31)
We have women to thank for many of the biggest and best contributions to Frederick's rich history. This course chronicles interesting events and institutions on the local level, and spotlights a collection of inspiring and influential female figures who helped pave the way. Over the years, these trailblazers worked tirelessly in their own ways to make the world a better place and shape the course of history, whether they were successful in business, on the front lines of important protests, made important contributions to the arts, represented their country at the Olympics, or inspired fellow women to speak their own minds. They have all brought their innovative beliefs and talents to life with dedication, passion, and plenty of hard work. Class #4 will include a special walking tour at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
4-part Course
Inaugural Session: March 2026
Key Chapel (Mount Olivet Cemetery)
Tuesdays 6-8pm (March 10, 17, 24, 31)
"Frederick & the American Revolution"
In observance of the 250th commemoration of the American Revolution, we bring you this course that documents Frederick County citizens and their contributions toward independence. Not only will we look at local leaders such as Thomas Johnson, Jr., Charles Carroll of Carrollton and John Hanson, but citizen soldiers such as Capt. Peter Mantz, Sgt. Lawrence Everhart and other "patriots" will be discussed. In addition, further exploration will include the 1765 Stamp Act Repudiation, the role of the Catoctin Furnace, building the Frederick "Hessian" Barracks, and the 1781 Tory-Spy Conspiracy.
4-part Course
*Inaugural Session June, 2026
Key Chapel (Mount Olivet Cemetery)
Tuesday nights 6-8pm
(June 2, 9, 16, 23)
*Zoom Online Session
4-part Course
Tuesday nights in November (7-9pm)
(November 2, 9, 16, 23)
In observance of the 250th commemoration of the American Revolution, we bring you this course that documents Frederick County citizens and their contributions toward independence. Not only will we look at local leaders such as Thomas Johnson, Jr., Charles Carroll of Carrollton and John Hanson, but citizen soldiers such as Capt. Peter Mantz, Sgt. Lawrence Everhart and other "patriots" will be discussed. In addition, further exploration will include the 1765 Stamp Act Repudiation, the role of the Catoctin Furnace, building the Frederick "Hessian" Barracks, and the 1781 Tory-Spy Conspiracy.
4-part Course
*Inaugural Session June, 2026
Key Chapel (Mount Olivet Cemetery)
Tuesday nights 6-8pm
(June 2, 9, 16, 23)
*Zoom Online Session
4-part Course
Tuesday nights in November (7-9pm)
(November 2, 9, 16, 23)
"The Great Frederick Fair"
The roots of Frederick's annual county fair run deep! They go back to the early 19th century when a cattle show was held near the Jug Bridge over the Monocacy River, just east of Frederick City. A few decades later, a new home was found on the grounds of the Hessian Barracks, but that would eventually give way to the present site on the east side of town (along East Patrick Street). The largest county fair in the state has an incredible history including amusements, marketing gimmicks, stellar entertainment programming and notable guests to go with its given mission of exhibiting farm animals and agricultural implements. Learn more about this unique story in this multi-part lecture class which will include a cemetery walking tour of individuals connected to fair lore.
3-part Course
*Inaugural Session late August, 2026
Key Chapel (Mount Olivet Cemetery)
Wednesday nights 6-8pm
August 26, Sept. 2 & 9
The roots of Frederick's annual county fair run deep! They go back to the early 19th century when a cattle show was held near the Jug Bridge over the Monocacy River, just east of Frederick City. A few decades later, a new home was found on the grounds of the Hessian Barracks, but that would eventually give way to the present site on the east side of town (along East Patrick Street). The largest county fair in the state has an incredible history including amusements, marketing gimmicks, stellar entertainment programming and notable guests to go with its given mission of exhibiting farm animals and agricultural implements. Learn more about this unique story in this multi-part lecture class which will include a cemetery walking tour of individuals connected to fair lore.
3-part Course
*Inaugural Session late August, 2026
Key Chapel (Mount Olivet Cemetery)
Wednesday nights 6-8pm
August 26, Sept. 2 & 9
"Almost Blue Mountain City: The Story of Thurmont, MD"
The town of Thurmont has distinct cultural ties dating back to its founding by German and Swiss immigrants in the mid-1700s. Its growth has been influenced by many factors including various religions, a nearby iron furnace, wars, the Western Maryland Rail Road, the a cottage-resort era, scenic mountain parklands, US Route 15 and the presidential retreat of Camp David. Explore the past of this "picture-postcard" locale ever proud of its moniker- "Gateway to the Mountains."
*Inaugural Session October, 2026
Time and Dates Coming Soon
The town of Thurmont has distinct cultural ties dating back to its founding by German and Swiss immigrants in the mid-1700s. Its growth has been influenced by many factors including various religions, a nearby iron furnace, wars, the Western Maryland Rail Road, the a cottage-resort era, scenic mountain parklands, US Route 15 and the presidential retreat of Camp David. Explore the past of this "picture-postcard" locale ever proud of its moniker- "Gateway to the Mountains."
*Inaugural Session October, 2026
Time and Dates Coming Soon
Give the Gift of History!
Purchase a History Shark Productions gift certificate for a Christmas, holiday or birthday gift for that special relative, friend or co-worker.
Gift certificates can be bought at the $200, $100, $80, $60, $40 and $20 range levels, and can be utilized for purchasing both history lecture and walking tour classes, the latter running $20/each. Mix and match tours and classes as well! A physical, numbered certificate will be sent out to the buyer (or the recipient if instructed), along with instructions on how to specifically register for 2026 classes with this certificate.
Contact Chris with any questions: [email protected]
Gift certificates can be bought at the $200, $100, $80, $60, $40 and $20 range levels, and can be utilized for purchasing both history lecture and walking tour classes, the latter running $20/each. Mix and match tours and classes as well! A physical, numbered certificate will be sent out to the buyer (or the recipient if instructed), along with instructions on how to specifically register for 2026 classes with this certificate.
Contact Chris with any questions: [email protected]
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Private Walking Tours
Contact Chris at: [email protected] to discuss