WILLIAMSBURG — Adam Canaday began his first job at Colonial Williamsburg when he was just five years old.
His mom heard that Colonial Williamsburg needed a little boy for a program. After a basic audition, Canaday got the part and began a life-long relationship with the organization.
“As a little kid, you see these people in a tricorn hat they all look like a superhero and cool, so that’s how I got started here,” said Canaday.
Known for his outgoing personality and ability to share the local history with guests, Canaday says he was a quiet kid.
“When I first started coming to Colonial Williamsburg, I would see a bunch of my cousins because, you know, everyone in Williamsburg is related to one another,” laughed Canaday, “but, that made it real easy to get familiar and come out of my shell.”
While working as a guest services interpreter Canaday, who felt his personality was too outgoing for that position, found his way down to the barn.
“Outside of the Fife and Drum, I think the next biggest thing at CW is the horses,” said Canaday.
Canaday applied three times to work with the carriages before he was finally assigned to the position.
“It took me three years to get hired at the barn. The first year, I think I was just immature,” explained Canaday, “The second year, it was a matter of who was going to please the overall picture. At that time, it wasn’t the Colonial Williamsburg we are now, willing to show and tell the truth. It was still uncomfortable for people getting ‘black back’ into these positions.”
Canaday stated before he came on board at the Coach and Livestock department in 2013, the last man of color to work as a Colonial Williamsburg coachman had retired in 2002.
After two years of rejection, Canaday decided he would not apply to the barn again but then, his mom stepped in.
“Honest truth … Richard Nicoll, our former director, found me in town and said he hoped I would put in for the position but, I blew it off. Then, another week later, he found me again, and asked what I had to lose by applying?” When Canaday did not make any moves to apply, “Nicoll pulled the old school trick and talked to my mom!”
“Nicoll retired about a year after I started driving, and one of the things he said was that he hoped I would start a trend,” Canaday continued, “He also told me that I should be a sponge and soak up all I could from his replacement, Paul Bennett.”
Canaday credits Bennett with truly teaching him the craft and education of driving. However, he is quick to point out many others who helped him grow through his journey with Colonial Williamsburg.
Being a man of color, Canaday takes pride in changing the mindset and educating the public, “I like being the person that may be the first step to how you go into your next building. In order to tell a more complete story, you may have to hear some things that are difficult. But, we need to recognize the past and push change forward.”
Guests visiting Colonial Williamsburg enjoy seeing and learning from the carriage drivers. The coachmen are skilled in all areas of working with the horse teams, from harnessing, grooming and training to driving and educating guests.
“I am glad people ride with me now versus when I first started,” chuckles Canaday, “Learning the horse part was the biggest ‘trick,’ but it has been the most fulfilling because you can see the immediate result. You can teach someone history all day long but, it is up to them if they want to use it. If you teach a horse something they are going to show it instantly.”
Canaday has become a role model and teacher throughout his time with Colonial Williamsburg. In addition to his carriage duties, Canaday has been involved with Williamsburg Action, the Williamsburg Truth and Reconciliation Committee and instrumental in helping Colonial Williamsburg commemorate Black History month and Juneteenth events.
To learn more about the carriages and horses, visit Colonial Williamsburg.
