The city was changing rapidly ... there was progress and innovation in the air! Your students will learn about the contribution of British businessmen to Montréal’s development in the 19th century, and the surprising and diverse faces of the evolving city. Better yet, they can become the heroes and heroines of the tour, in a fascinating role-playing game.

They can pretend to be British merchant Joseph Frobisher, Scottish journalist Rollo Campbell, innkeeper Sarah Bruner, Mayor Jacques Viger and other timeless Montréal characters. They will have to defend their positions in debates featuring these historic characters. It’s bound to be a lively time!

Students will also get to experience Generations MTL, presented in a room equipped with a 270^º screen. Archaeological remains come to life, a countdown begins, centuries roll by… Suddenly, an island appears, and then, a city. A captivating and memorable immersive experience!

What will the students do at the Museum?

• Meet many different period figures in a role-playing game.
• Feel the vibrant atmosphere of Montréal’s golden age, marked by rapid progress in many different sectors.
• Debate important issues of the day and take a stand after hearing the different pros and cons.
• See the underside of progress – diseases, exploitation, etc. – and make links with the present.

Concepts covered during the tour
Living and working conditions, economic situation, industrial development, urban development, demographic shifts, immigration, relations with Great Britain, railway development, public health, infrastructures, epidemics, fortifications, port, business.

Competencies developed

The activities during this program are in line with the aims of the Quebec and Ontario education programs and help develop the following subject-specific competencies:

Quebec

In Ontario