Anti-Rent War Programs Coming to Jefferson

JEFFERSON - The Anti-Rent War of the 1840s was a revolt by tenant farmers against the system of large, absentee landowners that had existed in parts of New York since the colonial era. Many farmers had cleared and developed the land on which they lived, yet they were required to continue paying rent to the landowners with little opportunity to ever own their farms.

During the early years, Stephen Van Rensselaer, one of the region’s major landowners, was relatively lenient with his tenants. After his death, however, his heirs attempted to collect unpaid rents more aggressively, increasing tensions and helping spark the Anti-Rent movement.

The revolt spread throughout our region. Farmers refused to pay their rents, hid from rent collectors, and organized to resist the system. Some disguised themselves as “Indians,” wearing calico costumes and using horns to warn their neighbors when rent collectors or law enforcement officers approached.

The film Calico Rebellion documents the Anti-Rent War in the Andes, New York, area. It includes interviews with direct descendants of people involved in the revolt, who share stories passed down through their families. The film traces the events that led to increasingly violent confrontations and ultimately the death of a sheriff. Historic archival materials and animation are also used to bring the story to life.

The Jefferson Historical Society will present Calico Rebellion on Saturday, September 5, at 2:15 p.m. in Judd Hall, 163 Main Street, Jefferson. Victoria Kupchinetsky, who produced the film, will discuss its production. A descendant of one of the Anti-Renters will also describe the conflict from the perspective of his ancestor.

This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by CREATE Council on the Arts.

This event will serve as an introduction to a second program focusing directly on Schoharie County.

On Sunday, September 13, at 3:00 p.m., Dr. Susan Harwood will present “The Anti-Rent War on Blenheim Hill.” Her program will explore the local story of the conflict and the role that residents of the Blenheim area played in the Anti-Rent movement. This presentation will also take place in Judd Hall. Both events are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.