SAVANNAH — The Georgia Historical Society has announced it will be partnering with the Georgia Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration on a study of the Dixie Highway.

Part of the old loop from the Upper Midwest to Florida traveled through Liberty County on what is now Highway 17.

The GHS Library and Archives will be the repository of records collected during the project.

"The Georgia Historical Society is excited to be partnering with the Georgia Department of Transportation on this project as it provides us with an opportunity to highlight the importance of transportation networks in our state and broaden our collection resources on the Dixie Highway," said Todd Groce, GHS president and CEO. "The Dixie Highway was among the first highway systems in our region connecting cities with rural areas for the first time and we rely on you and your personal materials and memories to help us document and celebrate this significant milestone in Georgia history."

The Dixie Highway was an important early road system that extended from Michigan to Florida. First planned in 1914 to connect the Midwest with the South, it was built in response to the growing number of motorists in the early decades of the 20th century. The project will look at the cultural and historic impacts on the cities and towns the road passed through. Members of the public are invited to open houses around the state to learn more about the project, but also to bring photographs and other memorabilia relating to the Dixie Highway.

Meeting locations include the society's home office at 501 Whitaker St. in Savannah from 4-7p.m. Oct. 25.