Lyman Hakes Howe (June 6, 1856 – January 30, 1923) was an American entertainer, motion picture exhibitor and early filmmaker.

After his father's death and the 1873 financial panic left the family near bankruptcy, he became a brakeman for the Central Railroad of New Jersey.

The partners bought a miniature working model of a coal mine and showed it in Pennsylvania towns and Baltimore's Masonic Temple, where it did little business.

Howe bought out his partner's share and made arrangements to exhibit the miniature during the summer months at Glen Onoko in Mauch Chunk (now Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania).

He exhibited the miniature coal breaker that summer but returned to giving phonograph concerts in the fall, this time without his partner.

[2][4] The animotiscope improved on previous motion picture projectors by incorporating a second take-up reel, allowing for the showing of longer films.

[8] Although most of his competitors went out of business with the rise of nickelodeons around 1905, Howe's film company continued to operate, primarily focusing on large cities.

[2][5] Howe, along with Burton Holmes and Fred Niblo, was invited to participate in the Motion Picture Patents Company in October 1909.

[2] Specific examples of topics of his movies included the Olympic Games and the wedding of King Alfonso XIII of Spain.

[2] A Pennsylvania state historical marker in Howe's honor was dedicated on September 18, 2000 in Wilkes-Barre, where he was born and spent most of his life.