On November 20, Nathan Kensinger, in collaboration with UnionDocs, presented “Block by Block,” a panel discussion with four of New York’s most active street historians. Author Kevin Walsh, location scout Nick Carr, urban explorer Moses Gates and guide Cindy VandenBosch exemplify a vital and contemporary iteration of the long-standing New York tradition of “un-official,” “informal,” “underground,” and “alternative” histories. The event presented each individual’s work, methodology, adventures and stories, and in so doing…

Every borough has its own fabled histories, idiosyncratic residents and constantly negotiated neighborhoods. This summer, WNYC is running Borough Tales, a series that explores the legends and quirks of each borough and invites listeners to ask questions of some …