Medford Historical Society will hold its May meeting on Thursday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. at Friend’s Meeting, 14 Union St., Medford. The speaker will be Paul Prentiss, a retired Navy Captain and Chief Scientist for a national science and technology company. His talk, “Damn the Torpedoes! Full Speed Ahead!!” will discuss Admiral Farragut and the Battle of Mobile Bay, August 5, 1864. The influence of this battle on the Civil War will be explored. The scene, major players, critique of strategy and human cost will be examined. Refreshments will follow.