about the Feature film

In 1849, a Sephardic Jewish immigrant named Jacob Raphael de Cordova laid out the city of Waco and helped put Texas itself on the map — literally. A surveyor of more than a million acres, a member of the Second Texas Legislature, and the publisher of the era's most influential map of Texas, de Cordova was one of the most important figures in the state's early story. Then he was all but forgotten.

The Jacob de Cordova Story, an hour-long film narrated by Ann Harder, restores Waco's founder to his rightful place. Told through historical images, original artwork and animation, and the voices of historians and community members, this feature documentary follows an immigrant storyteller who believed in a city before it existed — and whose vision still shapes Waco today. 

Premiered at the Texas Jewish Historical Society's 2024 Fall Gathering and available for screening upon request.

To see clips of the film and request a screening, scroll down: