Using data from a qualitative case study examining how lynching is taught in schools near historic lynching sites, this article examines how lynching photographs were used or not used in the teaching of lynching. Using a pedagogy of witnessing as the analytic tool this article argues that lynching photographs were used in one of three ways: "intentional avoidance" where photos were not used, "to feel fear and anguish," where photos were used to have emotional impact on students, and "to teach skills and connection," where photos were used as part of an ongoing effort go have students lean how to understand and analyze photographs. If used thoughtfully "to teach skills and connection," violent images like lynching photographs can help prepare students for the larger world.