In the history of American photography, Charles and Henry Meade don’t amount to much more than footnotes. But as the early practitioners of the first popular photographic technique, the daguerreotype, the Meades are worth a look in the Smithsonian’s ongoing exhibit of their work. The exhibit’s prize images are a pair of daguerreotypes featuring Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre, the man who invented the technique used to photograph him. Ironically enough, the father of photography didn’t enjoy sitting for photographs, but the Meades won over a niece of Daguerre’s, who persuaded him to cooperate. The eight Daguerre portraits the Meades made during the sitting are the main reason their work is still remembered today. And for good reason. Read more >>> (Louis Jacobson) The exhibit is on view daily 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. to June 1, 2014, at the National Portrait Gallery, 8th and F streets NW. Free. (202) 633-8300. npg.si.edu.

EAT THIS

Hill Country Barbecue is hosting its Shiner Beer and Barbecue Bash in celebration of D.C. Beer Week today. Diners can get a taste of four different Shiner beers paired with pit-smoked selections like Berkshire pork belly, Shiner and butter-basted beer-can turkey, and brisket. For dessert, there are Shiner Black floats and ice cream sandwiches. The bash will feature live music from The Woodshedders. Admission is $51 per person. Purchase tickets here. Hill Country Barbecue, 401 F St. NW. (202) 556-2050. hillcountrywdc.com. (Dan Singer)

OH AND ALSO

Local Malian griot and “King of the Ngoni” Cheick Hamala Diabate leads a weekly “griot street” jam session at Adams Morgan’s Bossa every Tuesday, usually with special guests. Haven’t checked it out yet? Stop by tonight. 9:30 p.m. at Bossa Bistro & Lounge, 2463 18th St. NW.

Mmmm, beer: We have way more D.C. Beer Week event listings in our calendar. Check it out.

Mmmm, books: The Washington D.C. Jewish Community Center hosts its summer used book sale today. Browse the stash between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. this evening. Proceeds benefit the center’s annual Jewish Literary Festival. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 1529 16th St. NW.

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