The nonprofit group dedicated to preserving Georgia's history is moving a big step closer to expanding its Savannah headquarters for the first time in 40 years.

The Georgia Historical Society has received a $500,000 grant from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation that will go toward plans to renovate and move into a three-story antebellum mansion next to the society's library and archives in downtown Savannah.

The renovated space will be used for executive offices and a new education center while retaining the character of the 1856 home.

Historical society officials say more money is needed to fund the project, but the grant brings it significantly closer.

The Georgia Historical Society has been collecting, preserving and sharing documents and records chronicling the state's history for nearly 175 years.

Tags: expansion, renovation, Georgia Historical Society, Robert W. Woodruff Foundation