I don't think railway preservation is as well developed in the US as it is in the UK, but I know there are societies dedicated to keeping alive the traditions of the old railroads. I'm sure an Internet search will quickly turn up details of any that are near your location; but for starters why not put your question on a forum such as the US section of the Railway Preservation Forum at
http://www.steampreservation.com/for...splay.php?f=10