More Montreal tours

Having enjoyed several tours of Montreal in the last few weeks, I was intrigued to read about some more "specialized" tours, offered by the Museum of Jewish Montreal.

Among the offerings is "Inside the Shmata Factory", taking visitors back in time to when the city's garment industry was robust. This 90-minute tour is held inside what was once the Progress Brand factory, where men's suits were manufactured.

Closely linked to the "rag trade" is the history of Jewish Montreal, as well as the history of the labour movement. Between 1870 and 1930, the industry employed more workers than any other industry in Montreal, and about 40% of them were Jewish. About 75% of the city's Jews worked in the garment industry in some capacity.

Owner Harris Vineberg located his factory in the largely residential neighbourhood of Plateau Mont-Royal, close to his workers. The Museum of Jewish Montreal now occupies space in this building.

Other tours available through the museum include "Beyond the Bagel: Food Tour". For more information, please visit their website.