Exhibition on Jewish Community in Early America Opens in Capital

— A new exhibition titled “The Jewish Community in Early America 1654-1830” will have its formal opening here tonight at the Museum of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Former President Ford and his wife Betty will perform the opening ceremonies at which the former President will be the principal speaker.

Washington reporters attending a press preview and luncheon yesterday were the first to view the exhibit which reflects the graceful lifestyle of many of the Jewish settlers of the period covered, their contributions to colonial America and to the Revolution. On display are paintings by outstanding American artists, art objects and historic documents.

All of the items were loaned to the DAR Museum by museums in Newport, R.I., New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Norfolk, Charleston, S.C., and Savannah. Go cities in which early Jewish immigrants established communities and deep roots.

The exhibit includes five portraits by Gilbert Stuart, including one of Abraham Touro, and a Thomas Sully portrait of Rebecca Gratz. Some of the best works of the famed colonial silversmith, Myer Myers, are also on display along with ceramics, samplers, costumes, furniture and jewelry.

The idea for the exhibit originated with John Loeb Jr., a New York investment banker and philanthropist who is a direct descendant of one of America’s earliest Jewish families. He conceived it as away to honor his grandmother, the late Adeline Moses Loeb who was a member of the DAR. It is the first major loan exhibit to be held at the DAR Museum and the first on a Jewish subject.

The exhibition will be open to the public beginning Thursday, Dec. 11 and will continue through March 15, 1981. The DAR is also sponsoring a parallel lecture series. The lectures will be given each Sun- day afternoon in January. The DAR Museum is located at 1776 D St. NW. It will be open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 1.p.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free.