EASTERN NC -- The N.C. Museum of History announces the winners of the 2011 N.C. Museum of History Student Essay Contest. Chuck McShane, a graduate student at UNC-Charlotte, won first place for his essay “Cocktails and Cultural Conflict: North Carolina, 1965-1980.” His essay examines the cultural conflict surrounding the North Carolina General Assembly debates over restaurant alcohol sales from 1966 to 1978.

As first-place winner, McShane will present a lunchtime lecture based on his research on Wednesday, May 11, at 12: 10 p.m. at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh. This History à la Carte program is free and open to the public. McShane will also receive a cash prize.

Leonard Lanier, a student at Louisiana State University, received second place for his essay “Killing a Klansman: Political Violence and the Long Civil War in Eastern North Carolina.” Lanier’s essay focuses on the period between Reconstruction and Populism. He used the murder of general Bryan Grimes as a springboard to discuss the growing influence of the biracial Republican Party in eastern North Carolina.

Christine Flood, a student at UNC-Greensboro, won third place for her essay “Not Just Democrats: North Carolina Opposition Politics During the Secession Winter of 1860-1861.” Flood’s essay is a study of the role that politics played in North Carolina during secession, specifically the existence of opposition to the stereotypical fire-eating Democratic Party.

The N.C. Museum of History Student Essay Contest, now in its fifth year, seeks to promote the study of North Carolina history among college undergraduate and graduate students and to strengthen the museum’s connections with the state’s colleges and universities.

Contest judging is based on historical accuracy, quality of written communication, and contribution to the field of local history. This year’s judges were Joe Mobley, history professor at N.C. State University and former editor-in-chief of the North Carolina Historical Review; Laura Ketcham, Outreach Coordinator for the Office of Archives and History; and Michelle Carr, Curator of Internal Programs at the N.C. Museum of History.