Carrick to the Carolinas

12 December 2025

A new Ulster-Scot Broadcast Fund documentary - Carrick to the Carolinas - traces the remarkable journey of Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson.

NVTV, in partnership with That's TV, Dublin Community Television and Cork Community Television, has announced details of a new documentary - Carrick to the Carolinas. 

Produced as part of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence celebrations and funded by the Northern Ireland Screen Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund, the documentary traces the life and legacy of Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson, mother of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States.

Filmed across Ulster and the Carolina backcountry, the programme follows Dr David Hume MBE joined by historians, descendants and community voices as they retrace Elizabeth's journey from Carrickfergus in County Antrim to the rugged settlements of colonial America, where she forged a life marked by resilience, faith and sacrifice.

"Like many women in history, Elizabeth's story has been a footnote in the life of Andrew Jackson, yet it is without a doubt her strength, courage and compassion that defined her son's journey to the White House from a very early age," said Dean Hagan from NVTV.

Drawing on newly recorded testimonies and local knowledge, the documentary explores the rich heritage of the Jackson family and the uncertainties surrounding Elizabeth's early identity.

The documentary also examines the enduring mystery of Elizabeth's final resting place in Charleston and the community efforts, historic and modern to honour her memory. Her story resonates as a testament to the grit, determination and cultural identity of Ulster-Scots women whose influence stretched across the Atlantic.

Carrick to the Carolinas showcases the ongoing relationship between NVTV and That's TV and their shared commitment to elevating authentic local stories, with Dublin and Cork Community Television joining the partnership. 

The documentary will be broadcast on Sunday 14th December on That's TV (Freeview Channel 7 / Virgin 159) at 6pm in Northern Ireland, as well as Dublin Community Television (Virgin 802) and Cork Community Television (Virgin 803) at 7pm.