New York Public Library patrons partied like it was 1776 yesterday, taking a rare peek at some of the nation’s most sacred documents.

A copy of the Declaration of Independence, handwritten by Thomas Jefferson, and an early typeset version of the document made a rare public appearance at the main library at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street.

The typeset copy was printed on July 5, 1776, and is just one of 25 known surviving versions. There are only two known copies of the Jefferson-penned document.

Brooklyn resident David Manning, 57, said more Americans should put down their hamburgers and take a look at these rare papers.

“This is American history,” he said. “This is what today’s about. Not barbecues! There should be more people here.”