Museum of Dredging
What to See
The collection is housed in a craftsman- style mansion built in 1907 and located in Rio Vista, California. Originally built for local farmer John McCormack, the Dutra family became the home’s fourth owner when Ed and Linda Dutra purchased it in 1978. They used the home as their private residence, company office for Dutra Dredging and museum. It is currently owned by the Dutra Museum Foundation. The museum houses many photographs, log books, ledgers, dredge models, original engineering drawings on linen, a mammoth bone extracted from a Delta island, and a mural that depicts the Dutra family’s Portuguese whaling heritage. Noted Delta artist and family friend, Marty Stanley painted the mural.
Our Mission
The Dutra Museum is dedicated to promoting an understanding of the history of dredging, the value of developing and reclaiming the California Delta, and the significant role The Dutra Group and Dutra family have played in this field. Our purpose is to raise and manage funds to expand, preserve, exhibit and interpret the museum’s collection for public use and scholarly research. The Dutra Museum Foundation’s commitment to the community includes annual funding of higher education scholarships for, among others, Rio Vista High School and the Portuguese Historical and Cultural Society.
Visit the Museum
The museum is located at 345 St. Gertrude Avenue, Rio Vista, California 94571. We are currently open by appointment only.
To schedule a tour please call one of the directors, Patty Dutra Bruce at (415) 258-6876 or Janet Bennett at (650) 207-6489.
The Dutra Museum Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by IRS guidelines. If you would like more information on how to become a Dutra Museum Foundation supporter, please contact Patty Dutra Bruce at pdutra@dutragroup.com.
Please see more information at dutramuseum.org