My observation Wrote:
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> Seems like Ohio has more successful steam
> preservation societies and produces more steam
> preservationists than anyplace else. Am I right?
> Anyone have a theory why that is the case?

How do you arrive at the statement that Ohio "produces more steam preservationists than any place else? Do did you look up the birthplaces of all those who are involved in steam preservation?"

Actually, I'm pretty sure that Pennsylvania has Ohio beat in the number of organizations which have successfully restored steam locomotives to operation as well as those on track (pun absolutely intended) to bring back steam in the future.

East Broad Top - Original narrow gauge being restored for operation next year
Everett Railroad - Owner of a recently restored to operation 2-6-0
Strasburg Rail Road - Restored several locomotives to operation and provides one of the most extensive schedules of any tourist railroad in the US.
Reading & Northern - Restored 425 to operation and is restoring 2102
New Hope & Ivyland - Number 40
Steam Into History - One of the only with an operable 4-4-0.

I also think California has more organizations who have restored steam locomotives than Ohio. But Golden State foamers can weigh in on that.