Roger Weaver is a registered architect by profession. His search for the path that George Washington took in 1753 to notify the French to leave Western Pennsylvania began as a personal ‘adventure hunt.’ Roger was introduced to Washington’s Trail while in school in Clinton Township, Butler County. He learned to read and interpret maps from his father, who would spend hours reading maps trying to get a feel for the landscape. Butler County received a Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development grant to study and map the route of Washington’s journey, hoping that it could be part of a walking, driving or bicycle route. Roger Weaver’s collection consists of noted research, books, diaries, photographs and maps that were used to identify the route for visitors to follow. He has included an introduction of the background history of the region as well.
Through his research, Roger discovered that he was a direct descendant of Andrew Byerly (the present Bushy Run Battlefield visitor’s center is located on the former Bylery Farm). He is also a distant cousin to Christopher Gist, Washington’s guide during the 1753 trek.
In his professional capacity, he was the Architect of Record for the additions and renovations to the Fort Pitt Museum in Pittsburgh’s, Point State Park and has assisted the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with the Historic Structures Report for the 1764 Bouquet Blockhouse, also in Point State Park. He has restored two major structures, the Feast Hall and Great House, at Old Economy Village located in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, and also served as a consultant for the renovations at the Vicary Mansion in Freedom, Pennsylvania.
Currently he resides with his wife Vivian in Georgia.