History Shark Productions
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    • "What's in a Name?"
    • Slideshow
  • History Course Offerings
  • Walking Tours
  • Presentation
    • Cemetery History and "Stories in Stone"
    • Presentation Rate Card
  • Family Research
    • Collaborative Research Call/Visit
    • "My Father, My Hero"
    • "Connecting the Dots"
    • Interview Project Schedule & Cost
    • Pricing
  • Organizational Storytelling
    • Interpretive Media Rate Card
    • Frederick County Association of Realtors History
    • History of United Way of Frederick County
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    • Past Projects
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  • Contact
  • 2026 HSP Fall Tour/Class Dates

History Course Offerings

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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. 

12 LECTuRE COURSES To Choose From


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Register for 2027 edition
​             CHRIS HAUGH'S
"FREDERICK HISTORY 101" LECTURE CLASS
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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: 2027
​Key Memorial Chapel at Mount Olivet Cemetery
TBA

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Register Below Through FCC Portal
​CHRIS HAUGH'S
"FREDERICK HISTORY 202" CLASS
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A full overview and great deal of information was covered in the "101" class, but here in "202" 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. 
​2 parts 

Next session: Frederick Community College-ILR**
Fall 2026 

Part 1 (1700s-1800s)Friday, November 13th (9:30-3:30pm) with lunch break
Part 2 (1900s-Present) Friday, November 20th (9:30-3:30pm) with lunch break
​(See FCC ILR Fall 2026 Catalog/website to register)Links Below for each part
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FCC Catalog Listing for Frederick History 202 (1700s/1800s)
FCC Catalog Listing for Frederick History 202 (1900s-Pres)

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PREHISTORICK FREDERICK
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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 $60
Next session: Homewood Living Frederick (aka Homewood at Crumland Farms) 
August 2026
​Mondays 1-3pm (August 17, 24, 31)

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"INDIAN TRIBES, EXPLORERS and FUR TRADERS IN THE MONOCACY VALLEY"
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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
FCC April 2027

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​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 Spring (May) 2027 TBA 

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​BLACK HISTORY OF FREDERICK-UP FROM THE MEADOWS
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: TBA

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​LEGENDS OF FREDERICK: Key, Fritchie, Engelbrecht & Johnson (4-Part Series Combo)
No, it's not a prestigious Frederick Law Firm as you've heard their names, and may know parts of their life stories. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about four individuals who certainly shaped Frederick history as we know it. All were born in the 1700s and lived through the War of 1812, while having important familial ties to the American Revolution. Thomas Johnson, Jr. was a lawyer, statesman and Revolutionary War hero with a most impressive resume. Francis Scott Key and Barbara Fritchie have songs/poems written about them in connection with the American flag being attacked by an enemy. Jacob Engelbrecht, a tailor and former Frederick mayor, kept a diary of Frederick events (and strong personal opinions) from 1819-1878 (the year of his death). All four of these individuals walked the streets of Frederick, were fiercely patriotic and are today buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery. (NOTE: This course will be held at the Woodlands of Urbana Clubhouse)
This is a lecture class which will include PowerPoint, video, and special artifacts.
NOTE: Ala-carte registration opportunities are offered for each of the classes within this 4-part course. (Price break for bundle of all 4 when purchased together.) Please register using the individual registration links for ala-carte offerings.
Class 1: Francis Scott Key Monday, Oct 5 ($25)
Class 2: Jacob Engelbrecht Monday, Oct 12 ($25)
Class 3: Barbara Fritchie Monday, Oct 19 ($25)
Class 4: Thomas Johnson, Jr. Monday, Oct 26 ($25)

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​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.
Stand alone class (or part of a 4-part Bundle)
Next Session: October 5, 2026 at the Lodge, Woodlands of Urbana
​Monday, October 5 (6-8pm) Cost $25



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​​​LEGENDS OF FREDERICK: Gov. Thomas Johnson, Jr.
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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.
Stand alone class (or part of a 4-part Bundle)
Next Session: October 26, 2026 at the Lodge, Woodlands of Urbana
​Monday, October 26 (6-8pm) Cost $25

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​​​LEGENDS OF FREDERICK: Barbara Fritchie
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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.
Stand alone virtual class
Next Session: Online via Zoom in September 2026 
Thursday, September 10 (7-9pm) Cost $20
or
​Stand alone (in-person) class
 (or part of a 4-part Bundle)
Next Session: October 19, 2026 at the Lodge, Woodlands of Urbana
​Monday, October 19 (6-8pm) Cost $25

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​​​LEGENDS OF FREDERICK: Jacob Engelbrecht
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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.
Stand aloneclass (or part of a 4-part Bundle)
Next Session: October 12, 2026 at the Lodge, Woodlands of Urbana
​Monday, October 12 (6-8pm) Cost $25

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​"FREDERICK & THE WILD WEST"
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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: 2027 TBA 

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​"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
TBA

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Register for Online Zoom Edition of this Class
REGISTER For In-Person Edition
​"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       $76
Tuesdays at noon (12noon-2pm)

Key Chapel (Mount Olivet Cemetery)  
​(November 3, 10, 17, 24) *Feel free to bring a lunch and eat!

*Zoom Online Session       $76
4-part Course
Tuesday nights in November (7-9pm)
(November 2, 9, 16, 23)

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​"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     $59
*Inaugural Session late August, 2026

Key Chapel (Mount Olivet Cemetery)
Wednesday nights 6-8pm
​August 26, Sept. 2 & 9 

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​"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." Based on Chris documentary entitled "Almost Blue Mountain City: the Story of Thurmont, Maryland."
3-part Course      $60
Inaugural Session October 2026 in Thurmont*
Tuesday nights 6-8pm October 6th, 13th and 20th
​*Class will be held at Thurmont Grange #409 Hall located at 17 N. Carroll Street in Thurmont
See Upcoming History Walking Tours
Give the Gift of History!
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Buy HSP GIFT CERTIFICATE
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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]

Private Walking Tours 

Contact Chris at: [email protected] to discuss
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  • Home
  • About
    • "What's in a Name?"
    • Slideshow
  • History Course Offerings
  • Walking Tours
  • Presentation
    • Cemetery History and "Stories in Stone"
    • Presentation Rate Card
  • Family Research
    • Collaborative Research Call/Visit
    • "My Father, My Hero"
    • "Connecting the Dots"
    • Interview Project Schedule & Cost
    • Pricing
  • Organizational Storytelling
    • Interpretive Media Rate Card
    • Frederick County Association of Realtors History
    • History of United Way of Frederick County
  • Blog-HSP History
  • Miscellaneous
    • Past Projects
    • Awards and Honors
    • Press Clippings/Links
  • Rate Card
  • Contact
  • 2026 HSP Fall Tour/Class Dates