The Levys of Monticello

Co-Presented by Feinstein Center for American Jewish History

Directed by Steven Pressman
Documentary Feature | USA | 2022 | 71 min | English

Sponsored by Edward and Susan Hoffman; Lisa Kabnick and John McFadden; Cathy and Dan Kaufman; Amy and Richard Oller

Philadelphia Premiere
Monticello remains one of the most iconic landmarks in American preservation. While it is remembered in the history books as the home of President Thomas Jefferson, few know the little-known story of what happened to the property after his passing. Leaving behind a wave of financial debt, Jefferson may have never expected his beloved home to be purchased by Captain Uriah Phillips Levy, a Jewish naval officer from Philadelphia. The first Jew to have a 50-year career in the navy and the first Jewish commodore, Levy shared the former president’s beliefs in religious liberty and separation of church and state. For nearly 100 years, the Levy family continued to own and preserve Monticello’s delicate architecture, amidst increasing antisemitic backlash from the community.

Director Steven Pressman (Holy Silence, 50 Children: The Rescue Mission of Mr. and Mrs. Kraus) has crafted another fascinating slice of untold American history, a true story that connects with modern-day antisemitism in America. THE LEVYS OF MONTICELLO is a story of hope, a tale of a tenacious family, scrutinized for their religious beliefs, that never stopped fighting for their home.

SPECIAL GUEST: Director Steven Pressman

Official Selection:

• Atlanta Jewish Film Festival
• Toronto Jewish Film Festival
• Washington Jewish Film Festival