This is a couple of weeks old, but I’m that far behind. The U.S. Library of Congress has been in possession of Martin Waldseemüller’s 1507 world map — you know, the first map with the name “America” on it — since 2003, but because it’s on the list of German cultural treasures, the map’s ownership had to be formally transferred. This was done by German chancellor Angela Merkel in a ceremony on April 30: Associated Press, EUX.tv, Kommersant. Via Map History/History of Cartography and Map the Universe.

In other Waldseemüller map news: NPR also has an item about the map (Real/Windows Media only; via MapHist). And, from 2003, an article about how the Library of Congress acquired the map.

Previously: Waldseemüller Map Stamp Issued; Encasing Waldseemüller’s Map.