Get to Know Mark
Mark P. Brugh
Candidate for
Judge of the Orphan’s Court
for
Washington County, Maryland
Mark is a Civil War researcher, writer, author, playwright, and advocate and grant writer for historic preservation. He is from Hagerstown, Maryland. His research and writings focus on the Civil War experiences of civilians of Sharpsburg, Maryland. He and his wife are co-authors of Civil War Ghosts of Sharpsburg, a book that describes the folklore, legends, and myths that sprung from the events of September, 1862. Mark's second volume of stories is scheduled for release in August, 2026.
Mark is actively engaged in the community. He has served on the boards of directors for The Potomac Playmakers (past president), Tolson’s Chapel (past president) and currently serves as vice-president of the Washington County Rural Heritage Museum, where he is leading a project that will revise and redesigning the museum’s exhibit about the effects of the Civil War on the people, culture, and landscape of Washington County.
He was an adjunct instructor at HCC where he taught Family Law, Criminal Law and Evidence. Constitutional Law, American Government, and State and Local Government.
Mark is a former director of the American Heart Association Heart Walk, and a division director for the United Way of Washington County.
He is the creator and host of The Aaron Good Chronicles: Antietam Anthologies, a podcast centered on his efforts to learn the names of women who died in battle at Antietam. His podcast was recognized as one of the Top 10 Civil War podcasts in 2020. In 2010, Mark wrote and directed an historical play titled “Antietam Anthologies, Mine Eyes Have Seen,” describing the competing views of citizens of Sharpsburg and the responsibilities for burial of the Confederate dead. He is the author of many articles recounting events performed by Civil War era citizens for The Herald Mail, The Citizen’s Advocate and The Citizen’s Voice.
Mark has been involved with many historical societies and groups in Hagerstown, Washington County, Maryland, including the Washington County Rural Heritage Museum, Save Historic Antietam Foundation (SHAF), The Hagerstown Civil War Roundtable, The Washington County Historical Society, The Sharpsburg Historical Society, Clear Spring Historical Society, Boonsboro Historical Society, The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Association, and Friends of Tolson’s Chapel, a 501(c) (3) that has preserved a church and Freedman’s Bureau school built in 1866 by formerly enslaved members of the Sharpsburg community.
Mark is a frequent lecturer on historical topics related to the American Civil War, both locally and at locations within a days drive of Hagerstown.
Education
South Hagerstown High School, Class of 1976
Hagerstown Community College, A.A. Degree, 1978
Towson University, B.S. Degree, 1980
University of Baltimore, J.D. Degree, 1989
Additional Info:
Civil War Ghosts of Sharpsburg, The History Press, Charleston, SC (2015)
Ghosts of Antietam, The History Press, Charleston, SC (August, 2026)
Podcast: Antietam Anthologies, The Aaron Good Chronicles, is on iTunes, Stitcher and Podbean.
ABOUT MARK
Bringing Experience and Compassion
to the Orphan's Court
On some of life’s most difficult days — after the loss of a loved one — families deserve a judge who listens. I will bring compassion, fairness, and careful attention to every person who comes before the Orphans’ Court. As a dedicated candidate for Judge of the Orphan's Court, I am committed to upholding the values of experience, patience, kindness, and independence in the pursuit of justice. Click here to learn more and join me in this important journey.