Historical Talk - The Donaldsons of Boneybefore: A Story Less Well Known...

The Donaldson Family of Andrew Jackson Cottage
Discover the lesser-known history of the Donaldson family, who lived at the site now known as Andrew Jackson Cottage in Carrickfergus for generations.

While the cottage is best known for its connection to the family of US President Andrew Jackson, this special history talk turns the spotlight on another family whose story is deeply connected to the building, the surrounding farmland and the shores of Belfast Lough.

A Carrickfergus Family Story
The Donaldsons lived at the cottage from the 1760s until the departure of Tommy Donaldson, the last member of the family line to live there.

Their story offers a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in Carrickfergus across several centuries, including farming, trade, family life and the changing landscape around Belfast Lough.

The talk will explore:

The arrival of a Scots family on the shores of Belfast Lough
Farming and trade in the Carrickfergus area
The Donaldson family’s connections with Canada
How the family’s barn later became the US Rangers Museum
How Donaldson farmland once extended into areas now covered by Belfast Lough
The changing role of the cottage through the generations
Beyond the Andrew Jackson Story
Andrew Jackson Cottage is widely known for its connection to the family of the seventh President of the United States, but the Donaldson family played an equally important role in the long history of the site itself.

This talk provides an opportunity to learn more about the people who actually lived and worked there, and how their lives reflected the wider history of Carrickfergus and the surrounding coast.

Booking Information
Advance booking is essential, as places are limited and demand is expected to be high.

To reserve your place, contact Carrickfergus Castle Visitor Information Centre:

Telephone: 028 9335 8262
Email: visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Join this evocative local history talk and discover the story of a Carrickfergus family whose connection to Andrew Jackson Cottage deserves to be remembered.