Gemini Giant to Remain in Wilmington on Route 66

 On March 20, 2024, Wilmington Mayor Ben Dietz announced the Joliet Area Historical purchased the Gemini Giant at auction and immediately donated it to the City of Wilmington.


The Museum used funds from an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant supported by State Representative Anthony DeLuca.


Mayor Dietz stated in preparing for the auction, he met with representatives of the Joliet Area Historical Museum, a local group raising funds to keep the Giant in Wilmington on GoFundMe, and the Wilmington VFW.   Members of the group shared the goal of ensuring the Gemini Giant would remain in Wilmington.


Immediately after the auction concluded, the City and technical experts from the American Giants Museum safely moved the Giant to a trailer and transported it to a safe location.  Many people turned out to witness this historic event:



The Mayor also announced plans to place the Giant on public parkland near the entrance to South Island Park, which is along historic Route 66. 

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