News Summary
James Ingram, a notable actor-interpreter at The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, has retired after thirty years of dedicated service. He is known for his powerful portrayal of Rev. Gowan Pamphlet, the earliest known Black ordained Baptist preacher in America. Ingram’s contributions extended beyond acting; he actively promoted Black history and engaged with the community. As he steps into retirement, he plans to write a biography about Pamphlet, continuing his legacy in historical education for future generations.
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia – James Ingram, a prominent actor-interpreter at The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, has officially retired after three decades of service, marking the end of a notable chapter in the interpretation of American history. Ingram concluded his tenure on July 31, 2025, having played a vital role in bringing the life of the Rev. Gowan Pamphlet, the earliest known Black ordained Baptist preacher in America, to audiences.
Ingram’s contributions extended beyond his role as an actor. He also served as a community liaison, actively engaging with visitors and promoting a deeper understanding of Black history. He joined Colonial Williamsburg in 1996, initially focusing on interpreting the experiences of enslaved individuals at Carter’s Grove before taking on the role of Pamphlet in the late 1990s when little was known about the historical figure.
Through collaboration with historian Linda Rowe, Ingram helped uncover and share details about Pamphlet’s life and his significant contribution to the Black community in Williamsburg. At the time of the American Revolution, Gowan Pamphlet was enslaved and worked in the tavern owned by Jane Vobe. He was eventually allowed to become ordained as a Baptist minister and led a congregation that would grow into the First Baptist Church.
During the Colonial period, approximately half of Williamsburg’s population was Black, and Pamphlet’s sermons reached hundreds of people, fostering a community of faith and resilience. He was emancipated in the early 1790s and became a property owner in James City County, further establishing his legacy. Ingram, who is an ordained Baptist minister himself, resonated with Pamphlet’s life and ministry, enhancing the authenticity of his portrayal. His background in religious studies allowed him to engage meaningfully with diverse visitors from various faiths, including discussions around Islam and historical Muslim perspectives.
Ingram was widely recognized for his engaging and passionate delivery of messages that emphasized freedom, compassion, and the struggles faced by oppressed Black Americans. In addition to his work at Colonial Williamsburg, he actively promoted Black history and partnered with the Let Freedom Ring Foundation at First Baptist Church. His efforts were pivotal in the establishment of a historical marker honoring Pamphlet in 2020, as well as the partial excavation of the African Baptist Meeting House by Colonial Williamsburg.
As he steps into retirement, Ingram plans to write a biography about Gowan Pamphlet, aiming to further contribute to the historical understanding of the Black church’s role in early American history. Despite his departure, the character of Gowan Pamphlet will continue to be portrayed at Colonial Williamsburg by Capt. Joseph Feaster, who assures his colleagues that he will capture the essence of this significant figure while also bringing his unique perspective to the role.
James Ingram’s retirement ends an exemplary run where he not only revived Pamphlet’s voice but also shaped the community’s understanding of Black history in America. His legacy will undoubtedly continue as future generations explore the important narratives that he helped bring to life in Colonial Williamsburg.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Daily Press: Revolutionary Retirement Portrayer Broke Barriers at Colonial Williamsburg
- Wikipedia: Colonial Williamsburg
- Garden & Gun: Meet the Storytellers of Colonial Williamsburg
- Google Search: Gowan Pamphlet
- Penn Live: Juneteenth Ceremony to Kick Off Rebuilding of Black Church at Colonial Williamsburg
- Google Scholar: Black Church History in America
- Baptist News: How We’re Learning to See and Hear the Black Experience at Colonial Williamsburg
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American Baptist Church
- The New York Times: Building a Better Colonial Williamsburg
- Google News: Colonial Williamsburg History
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
