Hundreds of visitors played pinball on opening day at the National Building Museum's new location in Baltimore. The new location offers a little more space to play pinball and a little less space for historical displays. The crowd was very enthusiastic, with many people staying all day.

Volunteers and staff worked feverishly at the National Pinball Museum to prepare hundreds of pinball games and rooms full of historic exhibits for a forced move out of their leased space in Washington, DC. More than half the games were ready to go just five days after the museum closed to the public.

WTOP news radio, the Washington Post, and other news outlets reported this week that the National Pinball Museum lost its lease and must vacate its Georgetown Mall space by mid-July. Museum founder and curator David Silverman stated that the museum would seek a new location.

When curator David Silverman renewed his call for volunteers to help prepare games at the National Pinball Museum, I responded. Little did I know that most of my free time for the next two weeks would be devoted to his cause. With help from many hands, the museum was ready for its successful Grand Opening to the public on Saturday, December 4, 2010.

The National Pinball Museum opened to the public on December 4, 2010. Shortly after 10 AM, curator David Silverman unlocked the gates to allow a small crowd to enter. Soon visitors were exploring the history of pinball and playing dozens of games in the pay-to-play and exhibit areas.

Supporters gathered tonight for their first look at the newly completed National Pinball Museum during a gala Grand Opening Reception. Museum founder and curator David Silverman explained his vision for the museum and led tours through the historical exhibits. The museum opens on Saturday, December 4, 2010.

The progress since Tuesday night, when I last volunteered, was amazing. The construction and painting was completed. All of the construction dust was gone. The games were gleaming. Most of the wood rail games were lit for display. The historical exhibit rooms had their games and props in place. The pay-to-play room contained about 40 games ready to go.

Following a brief Thanksgiving break, a crew of volunteers, staff, and contractors resumed feverish preparations for the Grand Opening of the National Pinball Museum on December 4, 2010. I joined the volunteers for a second weekend and was impressed by the progress.

Dave Silverman asked on Facebook yesterday for volunteers to help put the finishing touches on the National Pinball Museum for its grand opening on December 4, 2010. The museum was bustling with busy people when I arrived Saturday morning. I helped out all weekend by assembling, cleaning, and moving games. The museum still needs more help get ready for opening.