War of 1812 Program at Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County

To mark the 300th anniversary of the start of the War of 1812, The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County will present Commodore Uriah Phillips Levy, as interpreted by historian and re-enactor Bruce Tucker, on Jan. 22 at 2 p.m.  The cost of the program is $5 for members,$7 for non-members, free to students.

Uriah P. Levy was born in 1792, was a veteran of the War of 1812,  a major philanthropist, and the first Jewish Commodore of the Navy, the highest rank attainable and roughly the equivalent of today's rank of admiral.

Facing rampant anti-semitism he reacted strongly and prevailed against the bigotry he faced.  He was a human rights activist and ended the practice of flogging during his tenure. An admirer of Thomas Jefferson because of his views about freedom of religion, he purchased Monticello in 1834,  restored it, and used it as a vacation home. In the same year he commissioned  a bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson while in France and donated it to Congress. It is on display today in the Capitol rotunda, the only privately commissioned work to enjoy this distinction.

These are among the many other fascinating details about Uriah P. Levy's inspiring story which will be revealed during

For more information or to make reservations call the Museum at 732-252-6990 or visit www.jhmomc.org.