ABOUT (HAT)Historical Association of TanzaniaPursuing Tanzanias History since 1966
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.

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its partnership with the East African Historical Society and launched a new initiative to preserve Tanzanian historical documents through digitization.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 nations history for future generations.
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.
HATs vision also includes efforts to:
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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HAT aims to ensure that crucial historical documents, records, and oral histories are digitized and archived.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. Through digitization, historical resources can be safeguarded against deterioration, while also making them more accessible to researchers, students, and the public.
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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. By using digital platforms, online resources, and virtual libraries, the association can enhance the study of history, making it more interactive and engaging for students. This also allows the organization to reach a broader audience, including those in remote areas.
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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. These partnerships allow HAT to introduce diverse perspectives on African histories, fostering a more inclusive understanding of both Tanzanian and global narratives. This global collaboration also facilitates research opportunities and helps Tanzanian history gain recognition on an international scale.
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. These platforms encourage the exchange of ideas, foster new research, and strengthen the community of history scholars in Tanzania.
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. By providing a platform for these scholars to publish their work, the association helps expand historical knowledge and encourages the development of fresh perspectives on Tanzanian and African histories.
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, the association seeks to engage a broader audience with Tanzanian history, promoting historical awareness and education among communities that may not have easy access to formal historical discourse.
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. The association advocates for better history curricula, more resources for history teachers, and greater emphasis on the importance of historical study within the Tanzanian education system.
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. These resources make learning history more accessible, particularly for those who may not have the opportunity to attend formal classes or academic institutions.
Collaborate with international history associations to share resources and best practices:
HAT seeks to build strong relationships with history associations from around the world. These collaborations provide valuable opportunities to share resources, research, and best practices, while also helping Tanzanian history gain wider recognition on the international stage.
Discover the Power of HAT Membership
Join the Historical Association of Tanzania and unlock a world of opportunities in historical research, education, and networking. Our diverse membership types cater to individuals and organizations alike.
Founding Members
01Members 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
02Members who joined the association after its registration.
Corporate Members
03Membership 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
04Determined 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

How to Join
An individual interested in joining HAT can do so by visiting the associations 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 HATs objectives.