
Historical Association of Tanzania
About HAT
Pursuing Tanzania's History since 1966
Who We Are
The Historical Association of Tanzania (HAT) is one of the oldest academic organisations in East Africa. It was founded in 1966 by members of the History Department of Dar es Salaam University College of the University of East Africa. By 1974, HAT had branches in many secondary schools and colleges in Tanzania.
"
One of the oldest academic organisations in East Africa, founded with a mission to preserve and promote historical knowledge.
HAT was revived in 2017 and re-registered as a non-profit organization in 2018. Since then, HAT has been able to revive its annual conferences and seminars. The new HAT has several objectives, including promoting and encouraging interest in the study of history; supporting the teaching of Tanzanian history; publishing bibliographies and information sheets; encouraging historical writing; holding meetings; and encouraging the formation of local branches of the Association.
Additionally, HAT has strengthened its partnership with the East African Historical Society and launched a new initiative to preserve Tanzanian historical documents through digitization. This allows greater access to historical records and materials, helping preserve the nation's history for future generations.
Looking Ahead
Our Vision
To cultivate a deep, inclusive, and dynamic understanding of African and global histories in Tanzania by fostering a community of scholars, students, and the public who engage with the past to shape a better future.
HAT's vision also includes efforts to:
- 📚
Pursuing Tanzanian history through digitization and archiving
HAT aims to ensure that crucial historical documents, records, and oral histories are digitized and archived. This effort is essential in preserving Tanzania's rich cultural and historical heritage for future generations.
- 💻
Expand historical education by integrating technology and digital tools
HAT is committed to promoting historical education by incorporating modern technology into the teaching and learning process, reaching broader audiences including those in remote areas.
- 🌍
Promote global partnerships to broaden perspectives on Tanzanian and African histories
HAT actively seeks to establish partnerships with global institutions, historians, and scholars to exchange knowledge and resources, fostering a more inclusive understanding of African histories.
Our Purpose
Our Mission
To unite all historians, students, history teachers, allied professionals, and the general public in the study of African and global histories in Tanzania. Our mission extends to involving community leaders, local councils, and schools, ensuring that the study of history becomes an integral part of the educational curriculum, thus embedding historical consciousness within Tanzanian society.
HAT achieves its mission through:
- 🎓
Organizing conferences, workshops, and seminars to promote historical discourse
HAT regularly organizes events such as conferences and workshops that bring together historians, educators, and students to discuss and debate historical topics.
- 📖
Supporting research and publication efforts for emerging scholars
HAT offers resources and support to new and emerging scholars who are conducting research in the field of history, providing a platform for publication.
- 🌐
Encouraging public engagement with history through outreach programs and online platforms
HAT works to make history more accessible to the general public through outreach programs and digital platforms, promoting broader historical awareness.
Additional goals:
- 🏫
Strengthen history education in Tanzanian schools through collaboration with the Ministry of Education
By working closely with the Ministry of Education, HAT seeks to improve the teaching of history in schools across Tanzania, advocating for better curricula.
- 💡
Develop online courses and resources for the public to engage more with Tanzanian history
HAT is developing digital courses and educational resources that allow the public to engage with Tanzanian history from anywhere.
- 🤝
Collaborate with international history associations to share resources and best practices
HAT seeks to build strong relationships with history associations from around the world, sharing resources, research, and best practices globally.
Membership
Discover the Power of HAT Membership
Join the Historical Association of Tanzania and unlock a world of opportunities in historical research, education, and networking.
Founding Members
Members who started the initial stage for registration of the association and whose names have been registered at the Registrar's Office of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Ordinary Members
Members who joined the association after its registration.
Corporate Members
Membership is open to corporate bodies, societies, and other institutions in Tanzania and beyond, provided they subscribe to the aims and objectives of the Association and are willing to advance these aims.
Honorary Members
Determined and granted by the Executive Committee to any person who has distinguished themselves in the promotion and attainment of the aims of the Association. Such membership must be approved by no less than two-thirds of the Executive Committee and ratified by the General Meeting.
Membership Benefits
Members gain exclusive access to seminars and conferences featuring renowned historians and guest speakers from both local and international platforms. Topics range from Tanzanian pre-colonial history to global historical events.
HAT provides scholarships for historical research and participation in international history programs. These scholarships are open to students, educators, and historians, offering funding for further studies, research trips, and attending global conferences.
Through HAT's workshops and training, history teachers and educators benefit from continuous professional development. This enhances their teaching techniques, incorporating digital tools and interactive methods to better engage students with historical studies.
Members enjoy access to a variety of printed and digital materials, including research papers, historical documents, and rare archival content. HAT's upcoming digital library will house important historical texts and journals.
HAT fosters connections between members, offering networking opportunities with local and international historians, scholars, and educators. Partnerships with organizations such as the African Studies Association allow members to collaborate and expand their research circles.
Members receive privileged access to historical archives and collections, including documents that are not publicly available. HAT is developing a digital library containing rare texts and research materials for scholarly and public education.
HAT members can participate in national and international historical research projects. By collaborating with universities and research institutions, members contribute to groundbreaking studies on Tanzanian and African history.

Historical Association of Tanzania
Preserving History,
Shaping the Future
Become a Member
How to Join HAT
An individual interested in joining HAT can do so by visiting the association's website or contacting the association directly via email or phone. Membership application forms are available online, and once submitted, the applicant will receive confirmation within a week.
Membership Types and Fees
Ordinary Membership
20,000 TZS
per year
Student Membership
5,000 TZS
per year
Corporate Membership
200,000 TZS
per year
Joining Process
Complete an Application
Membership forms can be obtained through HAT's website or at any of its regional offices. Applicants need to fill in personal or institutional details, including their areas of historical interest.
Pay the Membership Fees
After submitting the application, fees should be paid via HAT's designated bank accounts or mobile money platforms.
Review and Approval
Applications are reviewed by the Executive Committee. Successful applicants are added to HAT's membership registry and gain access to all membership benefits.
Note for Corporate Membership
Institutions applying for Corporate membership must submit a letter of interest along with their application form, detailing their goals and how they intend to support HAT's objectives.