Photo by Rebecca Davis Park Ranger Nicholas Redding gives a talk as part of the real-time programs commemorating the anniversary of the Civil War battle at Gettysburg. Interactive Map: Our Jamie Bussey takes you through key points of the Battle of Gettysburg

Nearly 60 people gathered at the Eternal Light Peace Memorial on Sunday for the first of three days of real-time programs designed to lead visitors through the major events of the battle when and where they actually happened.

Sunday's first program, at 9 a.m., started a little late -- for a real-time battle experience, visitors should have gathered in Cashtown, six miles west of Gettysburg, at 7 a.m., said ranger Nicholas Redding -- but the presentation explained both the Union and Confederate strategies leading up to the battle's beginning on July 1, 1863.

Redding helped visitors examine the political reasoning behind the Confederates' attack on the Union army on their own ground, explained the road network that made Gettysburg a prime location to bring the armies together and set up the framework for the rest of the three-day battle.

Whether the listener is a first-time visitor to Gettysburg or a Civil War history buff, the real-time programs can help anyone get a sense of how the battle unfolded, Redding said.

"It's important when evaluating a historical event that you put it in context."

The real-time programs return this year after a several-year hiatus, Redding said. They will continue today and Tuesday at locations throughout the park.

Today's programs take visitors through the most deadly day of conflict at Gettysburg, beginning this afternoon with an overview of Union and Confederate plans for the second day of battle and ending with the action at East Cemetery Hill.

Tuesday's programs include the infamous Pickett's Charge, as well as the fighting at Culp's Hill, the longest sustained combat of the Battle of Gettysburg.

For visitors looking for more in-depth information, rangers will also lead three-hour battle walks, exploring specific people, places and parts of the battle.

Both programs are free and open to everyone.