The “portrait” in the book title “In Advance of Fate: Portrait of an Abolitionist” is of George Luther Stearns (1809–1867), a leading industrialist and abolitionist in his time. His Medford property was located on land that is now Tufts University. Among his many contributions was the recruitment of the first black troops for the Union Army, including, the 54th and 55th Massachusetts Infantries. In his book, Charles E. Heller creates a carefully researched picture of the life and times of this prominent and intriguing Medford citizen who achieved national acclaim.

The talk is in conjunction with the Medford Historical Society & Museum’s exhibit “Stearns, Shaw, and the Hallowells,” which opens on April 7.